Judson President David E. Potts recently received the James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to higher education. This award is the highest public recognition given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC) and is reserved for extraordinary, distinctive and effective leadership. The Rogers Award is presented to one person selected from 804 SACS/COC member institutions each year, making it the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award.
Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the accrediting Commission, said at the presentation: “The James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award stands for visionary leadership and outstanding involvement in all areas of support and activities on the Commission of Colleges.” She explained that Potts was chosen as the recipient for the depth and breadth of his voluntary service to the Commission, which has included serving as a member of the Executive Council, the Committee on Compliance and Reports, and the Nominating Committee, as well as service as a member and chair of the Appeals Committee.
Dr. Potts was appointed President of Judson College in Marion, Alabama, in 1990. In his tenure as President, Judson has achieved improvements in the general education curriculum, more strongly developed its student-centered culture, accomplished capital campaigns for new construction and restoration, and strengthened her relationship with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.