The Millsaps College Board of Trustees has named Frank Neville as its 12th president following an extensive national search.
Neville was unanimously selected by the 17-member search committee, which consisted of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and students. On January 15, the Board of Trustees voted to elect him as the college’s next president.
Board Chair John Lindsey said, “Frank Neville distinguished himself throughout the selection process with a combination of experience, skills, and innovative thinking. These exceptional characteristics, together with his passion for liberal arts education, will be essential to Millsaps’ future.”
He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff at Georgia Institute of Technology. He is an innovative leader and change manager. His background includes strategic planning, implementation, and executive management. Neville brings over 35 years of experience to his new role.
At Georgia Tech, he developed and implemented their strategic plan; led efforts to improve administrative services; implemented a culture change program to align leadership, performance, and policies with their strategic values; as well as co-leading the design of the Tech Square real estate expansion and creating the Arts Square programmatic plan.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Millsaps community. I am tremendously inspired by Millsaps’ student-centric, mission-driven philosophy and look forward to moving the college resolutely forward Ad Excellentiam,” said Neville.
He is a cum laude graduate of Carleton College in political science, and he holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Prior to Georgia Tech, Neville served as chief of staff and vice president of communications and marketing at George Mason University. Neville was vice president for global communication and public affairs at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University before joining George Mason. His responsibilities included managing a diverse portfolio of global outreach and business development and maintaining the school’s global reputation.
As well as his work in higher education, Neville was a career diplomat for the State Department. He served in Taipei, Chengdu, Guatemala City, Beijing, and Nogales.
“I have been impressed by the energy and creativity of the Millsaps community. Millsaps is clearly a special place that prepares students for a life of learning, service and meaning,” said Neville.
Neville succeeds Robert W. Pearigen, who stepped down in May of 2023 to serve as president for The University of the South.
Neville will begin his duties on June 17, 2024, as head of Millsaps College. Nationally recognized for its academic excellence in the liberal arts tradition, Millsaps is also known for its study abroad programs and its focus on experiential learning.