By MATTHEW SOCKOL
Staff Writer
Monmouth University is seeking a new president.
The search for new leadership at the university follows the departure and impending retirement of Paul Brown, the school’s eighth president, which was announced on Feb. 28 by Henry Mercer, chair of the Monmouth University Board of Trustees.
Brown, who joined Monmouth in 2013, will officially retire in June as part of a sabbatical he intends to begin in March, according to Mercer.
As the school searches for a new president, former Monmouth University Vice President and General Counsel Grey Dimenna will serve as interim president. According to Mercer, Dimenna previously worked for the university for over two decades before retiring from his past positions in 2015.
“Mr. Dimenna (is) a passionate and engaged member of the Monmouth University family (who) is well regarded and much respected by members of the Board of Trustees, administration faculty and the donor community,” Mercer said. “His deep familiarity with the institution and our community will enable him to make the transition seamless as we continue to pursue the University’s aggressive strategic plan for moving Monmouth University forward to the next level.”
Dimenna’s agreement to serve as interim president allowed the Board of Trustees and Brown to progress from discussions on Brown’s retirement, according to Mercer.
Prior to the announcement, the Board of Trustees and Brown had already been discussing Brown’s desire to retire to pursue research, writing and speaking and other personal goals, according to Mercer. Mercer did not specify for how long the discussions had been taking place.
“I didn’t come to the decision to retire lightly,” Brown said. “After many discussions, I knew the time was right.”
According to a press release from the university, Brown intends to use his sabbatical to explore how melding the liberal arts and business disciplines can better prepare students as they launch and pursue their careers, which has been an area of passion to him for more than 30 years.
“The University made great strides during Paul Brown’s tenure,” Mercer said. “The reputation of the University continues to grow, with the Polling Institute and the Urban Coast Institute gaining national recognition.
“Nevertheless, our primary mission is the enhancement of the educational experience of students,” Mercer said. “Under President Brown, the University’s strategic plan furthered this effort by enhancing academic programs, expanding facilities and placing a priority on the preparation for life after Monmouth. The athletics programs also have seen national success.”
“Paul touched many lives during his tenure,” Dimenna said. “The entire Monmouth University community wishes Paul an engaged and rewarding retirement.”
Although Brown will no longer lead the school, both he and Mercer are optimistic about the future of Monmouth University.
“Monmouth is positioned for a great future, and I am confident that the University is in good hands with Grey at the helm,” Brown said.
“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the school’s future,” Mercer said. “As a leading private institution committed to excellence and integrity in teaching, scholarship and service, I am confident that Monmouth University’s reach and influence will continue to grow and our students will continue to undertake and achieve great things.”
