MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - The University of South Alabama’s Board of Trustees appointed an acting president Thursday to replace Tony Waldrop, who’s retiring effective July 1.
The board’s executive committee approved a resolution that names Executive Vice President Dr. John W. Smith to serve as acting president until the university selects its next president, multiple news agencies reported.
In the resolution, the board extended “its heartfelt gratitude to President Waldrop for his service to the University through a tremendous period of growth and improvement in academics, healthcare, student life and athletics.”
The executive committee has agreed to let Waldrop use accrued vacation time between now and his July 1 departure.
Smith has served in the role previously following the 2013 departure of President V. Gordon Moulton. Waldrop replaced Moulton in 2014 and Smith was named executive vice president that same year.
On Tuesday, the executive committee ratified the selection of R. William Funk and Associates to conduct the search for presidential candidates. Trustee chair pro tempore James H. Shumock said he tentatively expects a shortlist of finalists to be ready “by the fall timeframe when we’re back in school so that the entire campus community will have an opportunity to participate fully in the process. So a lot of work will get done over the summer and then the process will be fully engaged on campus in the fall when we’re back in school.”
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