Jan 03, 2014 06:54 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Mercy College Board of Trustees has named Timothy L. Hall the school's 12^th president. Hall, who is currently the president of Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, Tenn., will succeed Kimberly Cline.

Cline stepped down from the top administrative job last summer after serving in the position for five years to become the president at Long Island University.

"President Hall's passion for student and faculty success is a hallmark of his professional career," Edward Dunn, former board chairman and co-chair of Mercy's presidential search committee, said in a statement. "That, coupled with his leadership experience, will serve Mercy College well."

Dr. Concetta M. Stewart, who has served as the interim president since July, will return to her original position as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs when Hall returns to the campus, May 13.

"Mercy College's mission and commitment to student success will remain a priority for me," Hall said in the statement. "I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and students to continue the College's increasing stature and strength."

During Hall's tenure of nearly seven years at APSU, the school witnessed enrolment growth by 16 percent (11,000 students). Under his leadership, the university established the Center for Teaching and Learning and satellite programs. The institution also expanded evening, summer and winter term courses.

The University was named 'One of the Great Colleges to Work For' by the Chronicle of Higher Education in its last two consecutive reports. Last year, the Chronicle listed APSU along with Stanford, Notre Dame and the University of Michigan on the Honor Roll of Great Colleges to Work For.

Hall has received accolades from President Obama and Bill Gates for developing a software program, Degree Compass, to assist students in selecting appropriate courses.

"His achievements at Austin Peay and the University of Mississippi make him the right person to lead Mercy College. He embraces the College's mission and history, and I am confident he will work collaboratively with our students, faculty and staff to forge a clear vision for the future that maximizes the many strengths and enormous potential of Mercy College," Board Chairman and presidential search committee co-chair Gary Brown said in the statement.

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