Dr. Jason Pierce named vice president of academic affairs

Dr. Jason Pierce has been named vice president of academic affairs for Tusculum College effective January 2, 2017.  Dr. Pierce replaces Dr. Ron May who announced his retirement in April.

Dr. Pierce comes to Tusculum from Mars Hill University, where he has served most recently as interim vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management.

“Dr. Pierce’s exemplary record of achievement as a teacher, a scholar, an academic administrator and advocate for higher education will ensure that Tusculum College realizes its full potential in the years ahead. I look forward to having Dr. Pierce join the Tusculum College Family,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College

Dr. Jason Pierce (Photo courtesy of Mars Hill University)

As chief academic officer, Dr. Pierce will be responsible for the academic integrity of the institution, for all programs and administrative offices related to the academic enterprise, and — in consultation with faculty, officers, and trustees — for long-range academic strategic planning, resource allocation and the implementation of new academic programs.

In his career, Dr. Pierce has served in both academic and administrative roles at Mars Hill University, serving as assistant and associate vice president for academic affairs, chief information officer, SACSCOC accreditation liaison and as director of institutional effectiveness.  He has served as chair of the division of humanities, as chair of the department of English and as webmaster. He also taught English as an assistant and an associate professor.

Dr. Pierce earned his doctorate in English from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Maine and a Master of Letters in Scottish literature from the University of Saint Andrews, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maine.

He is widely published academically and has presented nationally on a variety of topics, including programs to support first-year student persistence and models for college Honors programs.

Dr. Pierce has been married to Dr. Joanna Tapp Pierce, a faculty member at Mars Hill, for seventeen years. They have two sons.