Kentucky Wesleyan college president resigns

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky Wesleyan College President, Barton D. Darrell, will resign from his role effective June 1, 2019.

Darrell began his role as the college’s 34th president in September 2014 after serving as Vice President of External Services. Since then, Kentucky Wesleyan has experienced a reversal of enrollment trends with growth in both freshmen class sizes and in retention.

During his tenure, Darrell introduced “The Wesleyan Way,” which became part of the College’s overall brand and culture. The College also had a complete overhaul of its campus ministry program, led the state in average CPA exam scores and saw an increase in the academic profile of the student body.

The Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Gene Tice to serve as the Interim President while the board completes a national search for a new President. In recent years, Dr. Tice served as Vice President for student affairs and campus services for Western Kentucky University from 2000-2008 and retired as Regional Chancellor of WKU-Owensboro after ten years of service in 2018.

Darrell endorsed the decision of the board to appoint Dr. Tice.

The board will begin its national search for a new president this summer.