Bergen Begins Service as Acting President
Published: April 13, 2021
July 1 marked a new chapter in leadership at Greenville College as Dr. Randy Bergen assumed the role of acting president. Bergen fills a void left by the recent departure of former president, Dr. Larry Linamen, who accepted a position at California Baptist University in June.
Bergen brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration to the position. He has filled various leadership roles at Greenville College in the past 11 years, including vice president for academic affairs and dean of instruction. Most recently he served as provost, overseeing academic programs, the library, chapel, athletics, multicultural and cross-cultural affairs, information technology, and campus security.
Bergen graduated from Greenville College in 1984 and went on to earn a doctorate in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. He taught at Geneva College and served as its director of assessment. He also co-directed the national Comprehensive Assessment Project conducted by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Bergen returned to Greenville College in 2001 to serve as professor of psychology and dean of instruction. He has published in psychological and higher education journals and has spoken extensively at regional, national, and international events.
"Dr. Bergen is positioned to continue current initiatives and advance the mission of Greenville College while we search for a permanent replacement," said Rebecca Smith, chair of the board of trustees. "We are blessed to have someone with Bergen's experience and dedication to carry on Dr. Linamen's progress."
To assist Bergen in moving the college forward during the search process, Dr. S. Bradley Shaw will serve as interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty for the 2012-13 school year. Also, Dr. Brian Hartley will serve as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Bergen and his team look forward to overseeing the implementation of new programs this fall including expanded master's degree programs in coaching, teaching English as a second language, special education, and curriculum & instruction.
"I am very thankful to be offered this opportunity. It's going to be an exciting year," Bergen recently told an audience of alumni gathered for the college's annual President's Society Dinner. "This is a place that I love. I have been able, for the last 11 years, to pour my life into it. I'm very much looking forward to this next year."
