PHILIPPI, W. Va. (ABP) — Michael Clyburn began his duties July 1 as president of Alderson-Broaddus College, an American Baptist school in Philippi, W. Va.
Clyburn, who previously served as president of Louisburg College in North Carolina, became the eighth president of the 127-year-old college. He replaced Stephen Markwood, who retired June 30 after 20 years of service.
The four-year, liberal-arts school, which has about 750 students, is noted for its programs for medical professionals. Alderson-Broaddus is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA through ABC National Ministries, and is also connected to the West Virginia Baptist Convention.
Clyburn has also served as vice president for academic affairs and provost at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. He has a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Tennessee. He has had a 20-year career in several areas of higher-education administration.
“American Baptists welcome Dr. Clyburn as he begins ministry as president of Alderson-Broaddus,” said David Laubach, National Ministries’ liaison to American Baptist schools. “We look forward to joining him along with the other ABC-related college presidents at Estes Park, Colo., in July for the National Gathering of American Baptist Youth.”
According to the Clarksville, W.Va., Exponent-Telegram John Thralls, chair of the search committee that hired Clyburn, said: “We thought he brought a combination of factors well-suited to the presidency at Alderson-Broaddus…. In the early years of his career, he was a pastor. Since [we] are a faith-based school, we thought that background as well would equip him to serve as our president.”
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