Piedmont University in Demorest will have a new president effective Jan. 1.
Former Florida University System Chancellor Marshall Criser will replace retiring President James F. Mellichamp, who has served as president for the last decade.
“We are really excited about Marshall Criser as our new president,” said Piedmont Board Chairman Gus Arrendale in a statement. “He is innovative, smart, and brings a long list of accomplishments as a university and corporate leader. He has worked with faculty members and community and political leaders to lead Florida’s higher education system to a No. 1 ranking in the nation. He’s committed to student success, and he’s got roots in our region. We are excited about him bringing all his skills, energy, and passion for students to Piedmont.”
Criser is also a former president of AT&T Florida.
“We also heard that he is very effective at bringing people together, and he is respected and trusted by all,” Arrendale said. “He loves outreach to the community, engagement with everyone on campus, and he is chomping at the bit to get going.”
Criser recently stepped down as chancellor of the State University System of Florida, a post he held for eight years. As chancellor, he served on the Florida Talent Development Council and the Credential Review Committee.
He currently serves as a member of the Florida Council of 100, where he is a former chair. He is also a member of the Enterprise Florida Board, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, co-chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Past Chairs Council, and the Florida Chamber 2025 Strategic Planning Committee.
Criser graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in business administration and completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Criser and his wife, Kimberly Robbins Criser, have been married for more than 40 years. Kimberly is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in economics. She currently serves on the UF Health Leadership Council for Pediatrics and the board of Opening Nights, an annual series of cultural and performing arts events in Tallahassee, Fla. They share four daughters, three sons-in-law, one son-in-law to be, and four grandchildren.
Piedmont University is headquartered in Demorest, with a campus in Athens.
