Pfeiffer University chooses new president
Published 12:00 am Sunday, April 21, 2019
Pfeiffer News Service
MISENHEIMER — Scott Bullard, a senior college administrator praised as both as a professor and interim president in Alabama, will become the 11th president of Pfeiffer University.
Chairman Bob Brietz announced Bullard’s appointment Thursday after a unanimous vote by the board of trustees.
Bullard, 42, is senior vice president and dean of the college at Judson College in Marion, Alabama. In March, he completed a 16-month term as its interim president.
“Pfeiffer is so fortunate to have found in Dr. Bullard someone who has proven himself to be a dynamic leader in higher education,” Brietz said. “It’s easy to see how he quickly rose through the ranks at Judson. His intellect, problem-solving skills and understanding of the opportunities and challenges really stand out. He is more than ready to lead our university.”
Bullard succeeds Colleen Perry Keith, who announced in February that she is resigning to become president of Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware. His first day at Pfeiffer will be June 1.
Bullard said he admires Pfeiffer’s demonstrated commitment to its students and is eager to become part of that mission.
Pfeiffer “is preparing leaders in health care, business, education, the arts, ministry and many other disciplines,” Bullard said, “and because of the character of Pfeiffer employees, Pfeiffer graduates care most about serving others through their vocations. What an exciting place to serve. I am excited to begin working alongside such capable and engaged colleagues in service of students and a region that I have loved for a long time.”
Bullard was born in Lumberton and holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy from Campbell University, a master of divinity from Duke University and a Ph.D. in theology from Baylor University.
Bullard was a teaching assistant at Duke and a development officer for the nonprofit group Stop Hunger Now before going on to Baylor. He was also an adjunct professor at two Texas colleges.
Judson is the nation’s fifth-oldest women’s college. It hired Bullard in 2008 to teach religion and be co-campus chaplain. He went on to chair the humanities division and lead Judson’s religion department before he was named dean in 2012 and senior vice president in 2015.
In 2010, the college’s graduating seniors honored Bullard with a classroom teaching award.
Bullard is a published author, with works appearing in a number of academic journals and edited collections. His book “Re-membering the Body: The Eucharist and Ecclesial Unity” focuses on the understanding and practice of the Eucharist, or communion, and was published in 2013.
He is married to Shannon Desmond Bullard, a kindergarten teacher. They have four children, Judson, Desmond, Campbell and Walker. In their free time, the Bullards are often hiking and playing soccer. Bullard said his family looks forward to exploring and rediscovering life in the outdoors of North Carolina, especially the Uwharrie Mountains, where he visited many times as a youngster.
