Bergen to Assume Greenville College Presidential Duties

Published: April 13, 2021

The Greenville College board of trustees elected Dr. Randall Bergen to assume the role of acting president effective July 1. Bergen will assume presidential responsibilities when Dr. Larry Linamen completes his tenure with the college.

"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."

Bergen served as professor of psychology, dean of instruction and vice president for academic affairs since starting at Greenville College in 2001. As provost, he currently oversees academic affairs, athletics and information technology. Bergen graduated from Greenville College in 1984 and went on to earn a doctorate in personality psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.

Bergen volunteers as a board member for the Greenville Regional Hospital and is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Bergen's work has been published in psychological and higher education journals, and he has spoken extensively at regional, national, and international conferences. Bergen is a member of St. Paul's Free Methodist Church in Greenville, Ill.

In July, a committee will begin the formal search process for the college's next president. The college has had only 11 presidents in its 120-year history. The committee's first step will be to assess institutional needs and prioritize desired competencies before considering individuals for the position.