Campus News - Announcement of Interim President
On Friday, July 1, 2022, under the direction of Gary Eidson, Chairman of the University of The Southwest Board of Trustees, the Trustees voted to appoint current Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ryan Tipton, as the University’s Interim President. The Trustees authorized Dr. Tipton, along with Mrs. Paula Smith, Vice President for Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer, to continue operational management and oversight of the University. Additional members of the University Executive Cabinet include; Mrs. Amanda Guzman, Director of Student Affairs and Campus Life, and Mr. Steve Appel, Director of Athletics and Facilities.
Dr. Tipton, beginning his 14th year of service to the University, has served as Faculty Member, Dean, and Provost, with oversight of USW departments including; academic affairs, enrollment management, information technology, student learning resources, online learning, and institutional effectiveness.
Dr. Tipton states; “as a third generation Lea County native, I recognize the profound impact that higher education and USW have in our community, state, region, and globally. It is a privilege to serve with such a fantastic team who are all dedicated to the University’s mission and values. I am honored the Trustees have the confidence in me to serve in the capacity of Interim President. I know with the talent and commitment on our campus, to the mission and values of the University, we can continue to innovate and always provide a world-class education. This University has a bright future, and I am excited to continue to serve with our faculty, staff, students, trustees, and I am dedicated to mission and values of the University.”
The Mission of the University of the Southwest is a Christ-centered educational community dedicated to developing men and women for a lifetime of Servant Leadership by emphasizing individual faith, responsibility, and initiative. Teaching at the University adheres to belief in God, in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and in the separation of church and state. The University strives for excellence in academic curriculum, campus life programming, and student activities in a supportive educational community where freedom of thought and expression is honored and the demonstration of faith in acts of Service is encouraged.
At the University, students are instructed and mentored by a faculty and staff who demonstrate Christ-centered values and maintain an environment where students can live and work cooperatively, valuing the multiple cultures from which they come; and as a community of initiative, the University challenges graduates to become enterprising members of our society contribution to the common good by advocating and participating in the productive commerce of free enterprise, the constitutional privilege of self-government, and the practical contributions of community Service.
Currently, the Trustees have decided to defer to a later date a national search for President of the University.
Dr. Tipton further states; “I am honored to Serve and Lead the University of the Southwest as Interim President.”
