Presbyterian College president Claude Lilly resigns
Presbyterian College President Claude Lilly informed the college Tuesday that he will resign as president, effective July 15.
Through a college spokesman, Lilly declined to give a reason for his resignation.
"I am honored that I have had an opportunity to serve PC and the Presbyterian Church, and appreciate all the support I have received from so many alumni, faculty, staff and citizens of Clinton," Lilly said, in a statement distributed by the college.
Patrick Phillips, Presbyterian College Board of Trustees chairman, said, "We are grateful for Claude's service to PC and the advances he has made to the school and its programs. During his time at PC, Claude assembled an impressive administrative leadership team, and I'm confident in their ability to lead the College during this transitional period. We wish Claude and Fran the best as they leave PC."
Lilly took over as PC's 17th president on July 15, 2012. Prior to joining PC, he was the Dean of Clemson University's College of Business and Behavioral Science since 2007.
At PC, Lilly led campus improvements including an $11.8 million campaign to renovate Neville Hall, which has received $7.4 million in commitments so far. The college also purchased an empty lot known as the Young property last year and established a new park.
Under Lilly's leadership, the college made plans for additional student housing and upgraded campus aesthetics, the university said. He led a swift response to flooding of Georgia Hall, a men's dormitory, and renovation of the facility in seven months.
The college is in a strong financial position and has seen success from its new pharmacy school, which graduated its second class this year, said Grady Jones, Presbyterian spokesman.
The college has a solid balance sheet and saw improved liquidity during Lilly's tenure, the school said.
The college, located in Clinton, has about 1,400 students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Pharmacy.
A Georgia native, Lilly earned his bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and his doctorate in risk management from Georgia State University. He brought to the PC community extensive administrative and teaching experience, including posts at Texas Tech University, the University of Southern California, Florida State University, and as Dean of the Belk College of Business Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The college expects to name a person to serve in the president's role in the next two or three days, then a national search for a new president will begin, Jones said.