Big Changes Ahead: University of Lynchburg President Announces Upcoming Retirement

Alison Morrison-Shetlar, the president of the University of Lynchburg, will retire in June 2026. She stepped into this role in the summer of 2020, succeeding Kenneth Garren, who served for almost 20 years. In her recent announcement, Morrison-Shetlar expressed confidence in a new leader to guide the university’s future.

She has decided to stick to her current contract and will finish her term of service. Heather Bradley, the university’s vice president, mentioned that Morrison-Shetlar was invited to stay for another three years but chose to decline. The university will work to implement its strategic plan this year while preparing for a smooth leadership transition.

The school’s board of trustees will partner with the search firm Isaacson Miller to form a committee to find Morrison-Shetlar’s successor.

Originally known as Lynchburg College, the institution gained university status in 2018. However, it has faced tough times, including a deficit of $12 million. Recently, the university announced plans to cut several programs and laid off staff as part of efforts to improve financial stability.

In December 2024, the university’s accreditor issued a warning due to issues with financial responsibility and student performance. University officials are working on a detailed plan to address these concerns, with a report due in December to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

As of June 2024, the university’s endowment was approximately $140 million, with around $56 million in debt. In fiscal year 2025, it raised $6.5 million in donations, contributing to an ongoing capital campaign launched in 2020, which has raised around $39 million to date. The goal is to hit $40 million by the end of the year.

Like many small private colleges, the university relies heavily on tuition for revenue. Enrollment peaked at over 3,000 students in 2018, but last fall saw around 1,600 undergraduates and about 725 graduate students. This fall welcomed 475 new students, including 44 transfers.

In recent years, universities have faced enrollment challenges and financial strain. For instance, according to a 2022 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, college enrollment in the U.S. dropped by nearly 1.4 million students from 2020 to 2022. This trend adds pressure to small institutions like the University of Lynchburg as they strive to remain viable.

Experts suggest that adapting to changing educational demands and finding new revenue streams are crucial for survival. The landscape of higher education is evolving, and institutions must find innovative ways to attract and retain students in a competitive environment.

With Morrison-Shetlar’s retirement approaching, the university stands at a crossroads. The coming years will test its resilience as it seeks to navigate these challenges and secure a brighter future.

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