May 03, 2013 07:52 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Huntington University has chosen the first female president in its 116- year history after initiating a national hunt almost a year ago.

Dr. Sherilyn R. Emberton has been named as the university's 13th president, replacing G. Blair Dowden, who will be leaving the position May 31 after serving the institution for 22 years (1991).

Emberton will assume her new duties starting June 1.

"Dr. Emberton is a highly gifted leader with extensive higher education administrative experience, including positions at public, private and faith-based institutions," said Kelly Savage, board chair. "She will effectively guide Huntington University into the future with innovative ideas for program development as well as groundbreaking strategies to increase awareness of our institution."

Currently, Emberton serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs, East Texas Baptist University. She previously served in similar positions at Lincoln Memorial University from 2007 to 2010.

Emberton earned her Bachelor of Science in education and Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979 and 1981, respectively, and her doctorate in education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1999.

After completing her doctorate program, she was employed by LeTourneau University to lead its new teacher education program and in 2005 she served as the university's associate vice president for academic affairs.

Emberton is credited to have introduced initiatives in academic program development and graduate programs in counseling, education, law, medicine, religion and sports leadership.

G. Blair Dowden's tenure as president saw the development of many new academic programs, including nursing, exercise science and digital media arts; his tenure saw the construction and  remodeling of eight buildings; he doubled enrollments; tripled endowments and helped the institution  convert from 'college' to 'university' status in 2005.

During a ceremony, April 25, the university renamed its science hall to Dowden Science Hall, acknowledging his service to the university.

Similar to Huntington, Babson College and University of St. Thomas have chosen female presidents to lead their institutions for the first time in their existence.

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