Dr. James Hurley was named the 28th president of Tusculum College following a called meeting of the institution’s board on Aug. 26. He will leave his position as Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Vice President for Enrollment, Athletics and Public Relations on Sept. 30.

“Lincoln Memorial University is such a special place with tremendous people and extraordinary support. I have always said that it would take an equally special place to draw me away from here,” Hurley said.

Hurley joined LMU in 2015, serving as dean of the School of Business and professor of leadership and education. Under his leadership, the School of Business grew substantially and added three new programs including the doctor of business administration. In July, Hurley began to oversee LMU’s undergraduate enrollment operations, intercollegiate athletic department and direct the University’s external outreach through the department of public relations and marketing.

Hurley previously served as president of his alma mater, the University of Pikeville (UPIKE). During his tenure, UPIKE achieved its largest enrollment in history, experienced unprecedented programmatic growth and was named the 20th fastest-growing college in the U.S. by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Hurley’s vision and leadership resulted in three new colleges during his presidency including the Coleman College of Business, the Patton College of Education and the Kentucky College of Optometry.

“Throughout his tenure at LMU, Dr. James Hurley was integral in growing the University, strengthening our high-quality curriculum and recruiting excellent faculty and staff to improve our academic community. On behalf of LMU, I wish him well and offer him any support we can give,” said LMU Chairman Autry O.V. “Pete” DeBusk.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.