Piedmont University has named Marshall Criser, former chancellor of Florida’s university system, as its next president.

The announcement comes after a broad-based search that began after Dr. James F. Mellichamp, who has served as president for the last 10 years, announced his retirement in June.

“We are really excited about Marshall Criser as our new president. He is innovative, smart, and brings a long list of accomplishments as a university and corporate leader. He has worked with faculty members and community and political leaders to lead Florida’s higher education system to a No. 1 ranking in the nation. He’s committed to student success, and he’s got roots in our region. We are excited about him bringing all his skills, energy, and passion for students to Piedmont,” said Board Chairman Gus Arrendale.

“We also heard that he is very effective at bringing people together, and he is respected and trusted by all. He loves outreach to the community, engagement with everyone on campus, and he is chomping at the bit to get going.”

Other members of the Board commented on his thoughtfulness, respect for all members of the community, strategic mindset, sense of humor, personal values, attention to detail, and calming presence.

According to a university president in Florida, "Marshall has been a highly effective chancellor and is universally admired as a leader and admired personally by all the Florida State University System presidents. He works effectively with the faculty senates and student governments across all the universities, as well as with the provosts, student life vice presidents, CFOs, Boards of Trustees, and, obviously, the overarching Board of Governors."

Criser recently stepped down as chancellor of the State University System of Florida, a post he held for eight years. As chancellor, he served on the Florida Talent Development Council and the Credential Review Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Council of 100, where he is a former chair. He is also a member of the Enterprise Florida Board, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, co-chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Past Chairs Council, and the Florida Chamber 2025 Strategic Planning Committee.

He is also a former president of AT&T Florida.

Criser graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in business administration and completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.

Criser and his wife, Kimberly Robbins Criser, have been married for more than 40 years. Kimberly is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in economics. She currently serves on the UF Health Leadership Council for Pediatrics and the board of Opening Nights, an annual series of cultural and performing arts events in Tallahassee, Florida. They share four daughters, three sons-in-law, one son-in-law to be, and four grandchildren.

Criser will take office on Jan. 1, 2023.