GREENEVILLE – Dr. Tricia Hunsader, who has served as dean of the College of Education at Tusculum University since 2016, has been named the higher education institution’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Dr. Tricia Hunsader
She will start serving in this additional position Tuesday, Oct. 1, but will continue to oversee the growing College of Education. She brings 17 years of full-time experience as a professor and administrator in higher education to the table.
“Dr. Hunsader is a highly respected member of the Tusculum leadership team, and we are fortunate to have someone with her expertise and skill to oversee our academic enterprise,” said Dr. Greg Nelson, Tusculum’s acting president. “She has proven during her three years at Tusculum and in other positions that she is a high performer who has strengthened the organizations where she has worked. I am certain she will hit the ground running.”
She succeeds Dr. Madison Sowell, who is leaving Tusculum to pursue other opportunities. Dr. Nelson said Dr. Sowell had a positive impact on Tusculum students, and he wished Dr. Sowell well in his next endeavor.
Beginning her career in education in 1996, Dr. Hunsader moved full time into higher education in 2002. Before joining Tusculum, she worked at the University of South Florida and USF, Sarasota-Manatee, as a professor and associate director of the School of Education.
At Tusculum, Dr. Hunsader manages the College of Education’s finances and supervises more than 50 faculty and staff members. During her tenure, the College of Education has launched the Master of Arts in sport administration and has nearly doubled enrollment in teacher education programs.
“I have been privileged to serve our students and the first higher education institution in Tennessee as a member of the Tusculum family,” Dr. Hunsader said. “Tusculum has outstanding academic programs throughout the university, and I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with our dedicated faculty, innovative deans and wonderful students in an additional way.”