Andrew College extends contract of President William “Rusty” Kennedy through 2029
CUTHBERT, Ga. — October 7, 2025 — The Andrew College Board of Trustees has approved a contract extension for President William R. “Rusty” Kennedy through June 2029, Board Chair George Flowers announced today.
With this extension, Dr. Kennedy, who became president in June 2023, will continue to lead Andrew College into the next chapter of growth and transformation. His leadership has already guided the institution through record-setting enrollment, expansion of academic programs, and unprecedented momentum in athletics and student life.
“Dr. Kennedy has brought new energy and vision to Andrew College,” said Flowers. “The Board of Trustees has full confidence in his leadership and believes strongly in his ability to position Andrew as a thriving institution for years to come. His focus on academic quality, enrollment growth, athletics expansion, and financial stewardship is setting the foundation for the College’s future success.”
Highlights from Kennedy’s presidency to date include:
· Enrollment Growth: Headcount has grown from 247 in Fall 2022 to 602 in Fall 2025, the highest in Andrew College’s 171-year history.
· Academic Expansion: The addition of nine new bachelor’s degree programs, including Agri-business, Healthcare Management, and Behavioral Health Education.
· Athletics Development: Launch of six new athletic teams, including football, men’s wrestling, cheerleading, women’s flag football, and women’s wrestling, strengthening both enrollment and campus life.
· Campus Investment: Significant progress on facilities upgrades, including residence capacity expansion, Hord Athletic Complex renovations, and on-going Old Main improvements.
· Community and Mission Alignment: Strengthened partnerships with United Methodist institutions and reaffirmed Andrew’s identity as a faith-based college serving southwest Georgia and beyond.
Dr. Kennedy expressed gratitude for the extension. “It is a great honor to serve as president of Andrew College,” he said. “The progress we’ve made in just two years is a credit to our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and trustees. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant institution that is transforming lives and preparing students for service, leadership, and success. I am deeply grateful for the Board’s confidence and look forward to continuing this important work.”
Since his appointment in 2023, Kennedy has overseen a period of institutional renewal and momentum. Under his leadership, Andrew College has developed and implemented a new five year strategic plan, achieved sustained enrollment growth, expanded its residential capacity, and secured significant philanthropic and grant support. The College has also advanced its national profile by joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Southern States Athletic Conference, positioning its athletic programs for long-term success.
Dr. Kennedy brings to Andrew College more than twenty five years of experience in higher education spanning executive leadership, academics, enrollment management, student life, and athletics. He has emphasized transparency, accountability, and innovation in every aspect of institutional operations.
The western Arkansas native began his career in education as a women’s basketball coach at several higher educational institutions across the southwest. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, a Master of Science from Southern Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands.
About Andrew College
Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
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