Newberry College, a Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college founded in 1856, has named Dr. Maurice William Scherrens to become the college’s 22nd president, effective August 13, 2012.
From a large field of applications and a national array of candidates, the Board of Trustees at Newberry College has unanimously elected Dr. Scherrens for his strong, proven leadership at George Mason University where he has served as its senior vice president and chief operating officer.
“Dr. Scherrens brings a skill set to Newberry that is truly unique to our institution,” said Billy Walker, chairman of the Newberry College board of trustees, “He has a resume unparalleled and has extensive experience in virtually every phase of higher education that is marked by success at every level.”
As senior vice president of George Mason, Scherrens assumed the role of chief operating officer with additional responsibilities including local and state government relations, institutional planning and research, legislative affairs and distributive campus development. He provides oversight and assumes direct responsibility for the development and resource allocation of an annual budget of $900 million and a staff of over 1,000.
His service to George Mason and to the academic community across the country is reflected in his 20 years of participation in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools institutional accreditation process as well as the NCAA re-certification process.
“His breadth of knowledge, coupled with a collaborative personality, which lends itself to team building, is a recipe that fits perfectly with our venerable college,” said Walker. “The Board is confident that he will lead this college to levels of accomplishment that will make us all proud in the years ahead.”
In expressing appreciation to the Board for their confidence in his leadership, Scherrens said, “The opportunity to lead Newberry College is an honor and a privilege. The College has a rich history built upon a long-standing commitment to teaching and learning. We will find new paths to excellence, while we build on our existing core strengths.
“In a collaborative, ontological fashion we will challenge ourselves every day to develop the best possible learning environment for our students, faculty and staff,” Scherrens added. “We are committed to leading Newberry College on this journey in an inclusive, transparent manner.”
Through Scherrens’ leadership efforts, George Mason significantly expanded its programs, reputation and resources. Graduation and retention rates improved and the academic profile of the incoming freshman class is at its highest ever.
“The growth and flourishing he fostered at George Mason as a top tier administrator over the last 30 years, has helped that university to grow from a student body of 5,000 to its current 33,000 enrollment,” said Walker. “With his proven solid accomplishments and personal talents, he should make all who love Newberry College extremely excited about our future.”
For the past 12 years, Scherrens has taught an ethics course in George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development, Department of Sports Management. He also currently teaches a graduate finance course.
He authored a best practices business book in 1999 entitled “Agile Archers; Moving Targets” which was published by the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Additionally, he was selected CFO of the Year for large, non-profit organizations in 2009 by Virginia Business Magazine.
Scherrens earned his Doctorate in Higher Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Southern California; Juris Doctor (JD) from George Washington University; and both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
“We have been so impressed with everyone associated from Newberry College and the surrounding community,” said Scherrens. “We are excited to become a member of the Newberry College family and we look forward to sharing many successes in the upcoming years.”
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