Rhodes College President Marjorie Hass has announced J. Carey Thompson, vice president for enrollment and communications, will leave the college in May to become vice president of enrollment and educational services at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.
“Carey has done incredible work over the past decade. Under his leadership, Rhodes has seen increases in the number of applications and enhanced the selectivity, diversity, and quality metrics of our student body,” President Hass wrote in an email message sent to faculty and staff. “His wise guidance transformed our admission and recruitment efforts and set us on a path for success in the future. The leadership Carey provided during our recent strategic planning process is but one example of the way he has shaped Rhodes College for the better.”
President Hass has started the search for a new vice president, and she will chair the search committee, which includes Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs Kyle Webb; Vice President for Development Jenna Goodloe Wade; Dean of Faculty Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity Dr. Justin Rose; Chief Communications Officer Matt Gerien; Director of Athletics Matt Dean; Director of Financial Aid Michael Morgan; two elected faculty members; and two students appointed by the Rhodes Student Government. Executive Assistant to the President Mel Richey will provide support and counsel to the committee. The college has retained Dr. Sue May with Storbeck Search to assist with the national recruitment effort.
Thompson will remain in his role at Rhodes until mid-May, leading the college through the current admission cycle and supporting his successor. President Hass is working closely with Thompson to review the administrative structure of the enrollment division in preparation for the new vice president. President Hass also announced the college will move forward with plans for the communications office to report directly to the president.
“Carey has built an outstanding team. They are ready and able to carry his legacy forward,” says President Hass. “Personally, I am grateful for Carey’s support and friendship. He and Vicki will be dearly missed.”