Huntingdon College has announced that the Montgomery-based school will have a new president, its first in 21 years.

The university appointed Dr. Anthony Lee to the position, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Lee currently serves as the university's senior vice president for Student and Institutional Development and dean of students.

Huntingdon Board Chair Lula Garrett Cannery praised the abilities of both Lee and current board chair J. Cameron West, who will serve as chairman emeritus and senior adviser to the United Methodist Political Department upon his retirement.

“Dr. Anthony Lee has demonstrated unparalleled passion and commitment for the students of Huntingdon College,” Cannery said. “He is an accomplished administrator with a clear understanding of the college's internal operations and effectively communicates the college's mission to external stakeholders. He is deeply respected and admired by students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and his extensive network.”

“He has been an integral part of President West's successful leadership for 15 years, and we are confident he is the leader Huntingdon College needs to propel the College to its next level of excellence and advance the Heart of Huntingdon campaign.”

Dr Anthony Lee expressed his sincere gratitude for being appointed as the next President.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Huntingdon College's 15th president,” Lee said.

“I have had a front row seat to the transformative experience a Huntingdon education provides to students. Huntingdon changes lives. Thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff, Huntingdon graduates are prepared to be change-makers in their communities and professional fields. Some of the most incredible people I know are Huntingdon graduates. The world is a better place because of the lives of service of Huntingdon women and men. The College enjoys a respected reputation throughout Alabama and beyond, and I look forward to celebrating and spreading the greatness of the Huntingdon experience throughout the region.”

“Serving the students of Huntingdon College is my driving force, and I am excited to work with our dedicated faculty and staff in this new role and to leverage the resources of our alumni and friends to serve our talented students.”

As his term at the helm of Huntingdon College comes to an end, current president J. Cameron West is confident the college will continue to be under good leadership.

“Today is a great day for Huntingdon College,” West declared, “the Board of Trustees has appointed an extraordinarily talented leader in higher education to serve as the College's 15th president. Dr. Anthony Lee knows and loves Huntingdon College and has been my trusted colleague in developing and implementing the College's mission and a wise adviser on all matters both within and outside this vibrant institution of teaching and learning.”

“Huntingdon College is in a brilliant position right now and has a bright future with him as its president.”

A native of Alabama, Dr. Lee graduated cum laude from Wofford College in South Carolina with a BA in Political Science, a MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University in Minnesota, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Georgia.

He is also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery and attends Fraser Church, and is a member of the board of directors for the Alabama Business Council and an oversight committee member for the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on X. @ShipleyAusten