On Monday, June 17, the Millsaps College Board of Trustees welcomed Frank Neville as its 12th president, culminating an exhaustive national search. Neville’s appointment marks a new era for Millsaps, bringing his extensive experience in innovative leadership and strategic planning to the forefront of the college’s mission to foster academic excellence.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Millsaps community,” said Neville. “I am tremendously inspired by Millsaps’ student-centric, mission-driven philosophy and look forward to leading the college into its next chapter.”
Neville most recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff at Georgia Institute of Technology. During his tenure, he developed and implemented their strategic plan, improved administrative services and led a culture change program to align leadership, performance and policies with strategic values.
A cum laude graduate of Carleton College in political science, Neville also holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. His career includes roles as chief of staff and vice president of communications and marketing at George Mason University and vice president for global communication and public affairs at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. Neville also served 15 years as a career diplomat for the U.S. Department of State including international postings in Beijing, Taipei, Chengdu and Guatemala City. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
“Education is key to America’s national competitiveness. If we are to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, we need citizens who can innovate and continuously adapt to an increasingly complex world,” said Neville. “A liberal arts education like that offered at Millsaps helps students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills necessary to navigate this dynamic environment.”
Neville succeeds Robert W. Pearigen, who stepped down in May 2023 to serve as president of The University of the South.
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. Millsaps alumni include some of the state and region’s foremost business, government and NGO leaders.
“I look forward to building on this storied tradition and helping educate the next generation of leaders here at Millsaps,” said Neville. “The world needs more of what Millsaps has to offer and we are committed to doing our part to move our community forward through the transformative power of education.”