Scherrens offered president's position at Coastal Carolina University
The appointment will not be official until all contractual matters are settled and the salary package is approved by the Agency Head Salary Commission/S.C. Budget and Control Board, which meets on Jan. 30. Scherrens is expected to assume the position on July 1, 2007, following the retirement of President Ronald R. Ingle.
Scherrens has been senior vice president at George Mason University since 1996. He also served as executive vice president for finance and planning at George Mason University from 1985 to 1996. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration from Central Michigan University, a juris doctor degree from George Washington University and an Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Southern California.
As senior vice president at George Mason, Scherrens has guided the institution through a significant growth in enrollment, from 8,000 students to more than 30,000, including the addition of three regional campus locations. His responsibilities encompass the financial and operational functions of the institution, including direction of facilities construction and strategic planning, as well as legislative affairs.
"Our task was a difficult one because all five candidates are outstanding individuals of character, integrity and intelligence," said Charles J. Hodge, chair of the board of trustees. "Dr. Scherrens has the ability to inspire and create an atmosphere of excellence. He has enormous experience and has been involved in every major development at George Mason for many years. He will lead Coastal in building on the tremendous foundation that has been laid by Ron Ingle."
The other finalists for the position were Kyle R. Carter, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Western Carolina University; David A. DeCenzo, provost and senior vice president of academic administration at Coastal Carolina University; Sue DeWine, provost of Marietta College; and Edgar Dyer, vice president of university relations and university counsel at Coastal Carolina University.
The original candidate pool had 76 applicants. A 12-person advisory committee began working in May 2006 to identify a successor for Ingle, who has served as Coastal's president for 14 years.