Norman, 34, was presented with unanimous support for election by the Presidential Search Committee, which was appointed in August when current President Dr. Randall T. Ruble announced his plans to retire on June 30.
David Norman grew up in Georgia and Alabama as part of a Christian family and during that time, he and his brother attended soccer camp at Erskine. “I have fond memories of the campus and the people from when I visited here as a youth,” he said.
The new president received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University.
After earning his master’s degree in Christian Thought from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Norman went to the University of Edinburgh and was awarded the Ph.D. for his work in Philosophical Theology.
Norman served several years as a professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of South Carolina in Lancaster. The Normans became members of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. Their two oldest sons were baptized in that church and Norman was ordained as a deacon there.
He then became executive director of Trinity Forum Academy, a graduate program in Applied Philosophy and Theology. In his role, Norman was responsible for recruitment, finances, board relations, student development, managing staff, teaching, fund-raising, and all operational responsibilities.
Norman stayed at Trinity Forum until he was recruited to join Best and Associates, a Dallas-based higher education consulting and service organization. During his association with Best, Norman has continued to develop his experience and knowledge in the business and best practices of higher education.
Gordon Query, a member of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the search committee, said Norman was the unanimous choice of the group. “He is an ideal choice for the institution at this moment in time,” Query said. “He brings enthusiasm, energy, and a vision to unite Erskine during one of its most challenging periods.”
Norman will take office July 1 and his inauguration will take place this fall.
–Erskine College Public Relations
