James Netherton, the embattled president of Carson-Newman College, is resigning from the Baptist-affiliated school to become executive vice president of Mercer University.
Netherton, president of Carson-Newman since 2000, has been under pressure in recent months. He was the target of 129-71 “no confidence” vote from the faculty Oct. 4, followed by similar actions by retired faculty and alumni.
Critics accused Netherton, 59, of incompetence and mistreating faculty, and they blamed him for declining enrollment and financial pressures at the Tennessee Baptist Convention school in Jefferson City, Tenn.
Netherton downplayed the differences, admitting some mistakes but insisting the college community could resolve its problems in a Christian way. Still, some critics called for the president's resignation or dismissal.
In recent weeks, trustees held listening sessions around the state to hear from faculty, alumni and other constituencies. The dispute appeared headed for a showdown at the March trustees meeting until Netherton suddenly announced his departure Feb. 16.
Carson-Newman trustees also said Feb. 16 they will hold a special meeting March 2 to elect a search committee to find Netherton's successor. He will leave Carson-Newman May 31, although the Mercer position won't begin until Oct. 1.
As executive vice president, Netherton will oversee the treasurer's office, compensation and benefits, human resources, budget and analysis, information technology, physical plant, Mercer Health Systems, intercollegiate athletics and other departments.
Tensions at Carson-Newman were ratcheted up even more by charges of liberalism from the Tennessee Baptist Convention and, in return, suspicions that fundamentalists in the convention were trying to control the school. In 2004 the convention called for an investigation of the biblical views taught at Carson-Newman and its two other affiliated colleges.
The action came in response to an allegation from a Carson-Newman student who said some of the college's professors teach viewpoints contrary to conservative views about creationism, biblical inspiration and salvation.