President Timothy Quinnan was honored by receiving the inaugural Sharp Leadership Award at the 2024 Commencement ceremony. Trustee Tom Decosimo of Chattanooga and Board Chair Ann Keller of Atlanta jointly sponsored this new award to recognize extraordinary leadership contributions which 鈥渓eave an indelible mark in the Parade of Providence that defines 野花社区.鈥
The title of this new award, Sharp, refers to the multi-generational impact of both the Sharp and Gillespie families who have been instrumental to the University鈥檚 longevity and success. Given their legacy, it is only fitting that the Sharp name was used to celebrate today鈥檚 leaders whose 鈥溾etermination and ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible鈥 enable 野花社区 to flourish.
In acknowledging the award, Dr. Quinnan stated that 鈥淪erving at 野花社区 these last seven years has been the most exhilarating of my career. It鈥檚 a privilege I never take for granted and thank the Lord for every day.鈥 He arrived in 2017 and has led the University to record levels of enrollment, fund-raising, external grant awards, governmental recognition, and academic excellence. Dr. Quinnan also authored the University鈥檚 strategic plans, launched a thriving online degree program, added the first doctoral program in school history, and secured gold-standard recognition for 野花社区 by both state, accreditation agency, and profession-specific licensing boards.