Tusculum College has announced that Dr. Nancy B. Moody will assume the presidency of the college on April 27, rather than on her previously-announced start date of June 1.

Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chariman of the college's board of trustees, said, "The opportunity presented itself for Dr. Moody to begin at Tusculum College earlier than expected, and we are very fortunate that she will be on campus this spring and that Interim President Dr. Russell Nichols will stay on campus to facilitate a smooth transition."

Dr. Moody will be the 27th president of Tusculum College and its first woman president.

With the many activities that occur on campus in the spring, Bowman said, the board of trustees "felt very fortunate that Dr. Moody would be able to begin her duties, get to know the campus and participate in spring functions."

He said, "I am very excited and exceptionally pleased by how well this is working out. Tusculum College will benefit greatly by having both of these exceptional leaders working together through this final phase of the college's presidential transition,"

Dr. Nichols will continue through the end of May, in order to preserve continuity and to assist Dr. Moody's transition into her new role.

Dr. Nichols has served the college as interim president since August 2007.

Dr. Moody was formerly president of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., where she had served since 2002.

She was selected as the new president of Tusculum College by the Board of Trustees in February.

She has associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University, a master's of science in nursing from Texas Woman's University, and a doctorate of science in nursing from the University of Alabama's School of Nursing at Birmingham.

Her professional career in higher education began at LMU as an instructor of nursing.

She then served in several roles at LMU, culminating in her appointment as the dean of the university's School of Professional Studies before joining the faculty at East Tennessee State University, where she was tenured and served as department chairman.

She went on to become an associate professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, while also serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Center of Nursing.

Dr. Nichols has sent a message to Tusculum College's faculty, staff and students.

Noting that Dr. Moody would assume her presidential duties on April 27, Dr. Nichols said, "She looks forward to working with you this spring and during the coming years. Please make her feel welcome by greeting her in the coming days and introducing yourself if you have not met her.

"We look forward to building on the Tusculum College successes by supporting her leadership and learning from her experience.

"Likewise, I assure you, she wants to learn your strengths and to know your dreams for the college, so please do not be bashful in getting to know her.

"They (the board of trustees) have asked me to remain through May 31, conducting the commencements, honors convocation, and other student recognitions so that students sense the continuity of support for them during the remainder of their school year.

"Dr. Moody and I will continue our close consultation to make the transition positive and constructive for you and for her in the next few weeks.

"I look forward to that time with students, faculty, and staff during the coming few weeks, remaining deeply grateful to all of you for your friendships. Thank you."