Paine College interim provost announced - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Paine College's number two leader is no longer employed with the school, but the reasoning behind the abrupt departure remains a mystery.

"It is the policies of the institution not to comment on personnel matters," said Dr. Brandon Brown, Vice President of the college. "And in fairness to Dr. Tillery, I don't want to get into those specifics."

Dr. Marcus Tillery is no longer employed at Paine College. Dr. Tillery served as the provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since June 2011.

Tuesday morning Paine College Vice President Dr. Brandon Brown announced a new interim provost and VP of Academic Affairs. Dr. Samuel Sullivan has taken on the responsibilities of provost. 

"When there is a need to have someone in a leadership position, especially a provost, you can't wait," Dr. Brown said.

Dr. Sullivan comes out of retirement, having worked as the VP of Academic Affairs with the then Augusta State University. But faculty members tell Fox54 the sudden change in administrative leader roles has negatively impacted the morale of faculty, students and staff.

"We encourage all of our employees to be here and really give to the students, but you can't predict when someone may have an opportunity," Dr. Brown said.

Dr. Sullivan is already on campus and has started in his new role.

UPDATE: 

Paine College has hired Dr. Samuel Sullivan as its new Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.   Dr. Sullivan comes out of retirement after having retired as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Augusta State University in August 2011 where he also served as a member of the 2011 Executive Vice President/Provost Search Committee for Georgia Health Sciences University.  A 40-year veteran of higher education, he demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, effective planning and assessment, and student success.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to join Dr. Bradley's team as we strive to continue the excellence that Paine College brings to the Augusta community, the state, and the nation", said Dr. Sullivan.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Sullivan earned the B. S. degree in physics and mathematics from North Carolina Central University, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics, from Howard University.

After finishing graduate school, Dr. Sullivan began his career as a member of the physics faculty at Federal City College in Washington, D.C.   In later years as a college administrator, Dr. Sullivan participated in the merger of Federal City College, Washington Technical Institute, and the District of Columbia Teachers College into the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).

At UDC, he held several senior administrative positions.  Among them were: Associate President for Academic Personnel Management, Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and University Ombudsman. In addition a record of outstanding teaching and service, his accomplishments included the establishment of a Division of Research, Training, and International Programs.  Dr. Sullivan also led university efforts to develop academic programs with agencies and institutions in other nations, including: Egypt, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Russia.

Upon joining Augusta State University, Dr. Sullivan served on numerous university committees including:  the President's Cabinet, the Academic Vice President's Council, University Council, the Affirmative Action Committee, the Program Advisory Committee, the Retention Committee, and an Ex-Officio Trustee of the Augusta State University Foundation.  As Vice President of Academic Affairs, he also led implementation of the university's strategic planning initiatives. 

Dr. Sullivan provided invaluable service to the university, the community and the CSRA.  His service on boards of directors included:  the Rachel Longstreet Foundation, Inc., the United Way of the CSRA, the Augusta Museum of History, the Augusta State University Foundation, Inc., the Augusta Biomedical Research Corporation, the Georgia Health Sciences University Research Institute, and the Ike and Justine Washington Foundation, Inc. 

Dr. Sullivan is Augusta State University's recipient of the Richard S. Wallace Distinguished Service Award for 2011.  This award bears the name of a former ASU president, and it recognizes outstanding service to the university, students and the community.

Dr. Sullivan is a member of Alpha Mu Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and Psi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  In addition, Dr. Sullivan volunteers as executive director of the Ike and Justine Washington Foundation.

Dr. Sullivan is married to Dr. Lucinda Ross Sullivan and they have one son.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Paine College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Marcus Tillery is no longer at the school. His former office confirmed the news Tuesday morning.

Dr. Tillery was appointed as provost and VP of Academic Affairs in June 2011. No word yet on why he is no longer employed.

The news comes less than a week after a female student was raped in a dormitory on campus.

Paine College is expected to make a formal announcement later today.