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Barbara Morris, Ph.D. Named to Serve as
18th President of Prescott College

The Prescott College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Barbara Morris, PhD, currently associate vice provost and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, for the State University System of New York (SUNY), as the 18th president of Prescott College. Dr. Morris will assume the presidency on July 15, 2021.

Dr. Morris currently oversees general education reform as well as leading efforts to expand indigenous learning and support systems across the 64 campuses in the SUNY system. Prior to her current role at SUNY, Dr. Morris served as president of SUNY Oneonta, a regional, comprehensive, student-centered university located in central New York State.

Dr. Morris will succeed John Flicker, who has served as Prescott College’s president since 2014. President Flicker announced his retirement in 2020 prompting an extensive national search for his replacement. The Board of Trustees would like to recognize the hard work of the presidential search committee as well as thank the students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, parents, and friends who contributed their support and perspectives throughout the process.

“Dr. Morris brings to Prescott College not only deep knowledge and experience in all facets of higher education but exceptional alignment with the mission of the College,” said Lynne Nemeth, chair of the board. “This is a transitional time across higher education and a pivotal time for Prescott College. The board sees Dr. Morris’ record of accomplishment in advancement, student success, and retention as part of her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Prescott College. The board is excited to welcome Dr. Morris to our community.”

A career in higher education that began as an assistant professor of government at the University of Redlands, Dr. Morris’ time at the University of Redlands spanned 15 years, with her final role as dean of the college of arts and sciences. Leaving the University of the Redlands to serve as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Fort Lewis College, Dr. Morris worked collaboratively on both capital and comprehensive fundraising campaigns focused on endowing academic programs, scholarships, and faculty/student engagement. As provost she also oversaw an inclusive campus-wide strategic planning process focused on student success and program development. As the president of SUNY Oneonta, Dr. Morris focused her efforts on streamlining operations and administrative processes, launched a $25 million comprehensive campaign, and engaged the campus community in redesign of institutional mission, vision, and values. 

“The opportunity to serve as Prescott College’s next president is an extraordinary honor,” said Morris. “It is a privilege to lead a faculty and staff who are dedicated to innovative, experiential, student-driven education. I am committed to the college’s mission to encourage students to become community minded change agents striving to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world.”

Prescott College seeks to educate students of diverse ages and backgrounds to understand, thrive in, and enhance the world community and environment. Prescott College sets the standard for academic excellence through experiential, collaborative education that transforms diverse learners into leaders who make a difference. Committed to social justice and environmental sustainability, the college serves local and global communities through innovative and intellectually adventurous liberal arts and professional programs.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Heidi Robbe, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
heidi.robbe@prescott.edu, (630) 400-3329

Presidential Search Committee

Chair
Lynne Nemeth, Trustee

Committee Members
Geoff Barnard, Trustee
Paul Burkhardt, Executive Vice President and Provost, Prescott College
Merrilee Caldwell, Trustee, Alumni
Coral Evans, Trustee, Alumni
Anita Fernandez, Chief Diversity Officer, Prescott College; Director, Xicanx Institute for Teaching & Organizing (XITO)
Jesse Hernreich, Trustee, Alumni
Doug Hulmes, Faculty Emeritus, Trustee
Althea Dale McCullough, Student Trustee, Distance Programs
Lorayne Meltzer, Executive Director, Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies; Faculty, Environmental Studies
Kristine Preziosi, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator| Risk Manager, Alumni
Centae Richards, Assistant Dean, Education; Director of Professional Preparation Programs
Katrina Rogers, Trustee, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Mark Thorkelson, Trustee, Alumni
Michael Zimber, Trustee, Alumni