Michael Clyburn Becomes President of Alderson-Broaddus College

Michael Clyburn began his duties July 1 as president of Alderson-Broaddus College, an American Baptist institution in Philippi, W. Va. The four-year liberal-arts school, with approximately 750 students, is known for its programs preparing medical professionals. Clyburn, who previously served as president of Louisburg College in North Carolina, is the eighth president in the college’s 127-year history. He succeeded Stephen Markwood, who retired June 30 after 20 years of leadership.

Clyburn has also held roles as vice president for academic affairs and provost at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. He holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Tennessee and has spent two decades in higher-education administration. His background includes a pastoral career, which the college’s search committee highlighted as a valuable asset for a faith-based institution.

Alderson-Broaddus is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA through ABC National Ministries and is connected to the West Virginia Baptist Convention. The college’s leadership emphasized the importance of its faith-based mission, noting Clyburn’s pastoral experience would aid in fulfilling that role.

David Laubach, National Ministries’ liaison to American Baptist schools, expressed support for Clyburn’s appointment. “American Baptists welcome Dr. Clyburn as he begins ministry as president of Alderson-Broaddus,” Laubach said. The college will participate in the National Gathering of American Baptist Youth in Estes Park, Colo., in July, alongside other ABC-related college presidents.

John Thralls, chair of the search committee that hired Clyburn, stated the college sought a leader with a combination of skills and experience. “We thought he brought a combination of factors well-suited to the presidency at Alderson-Broaddus,” Thralls said. “In the early years of his career, he was a pastor. Since we are a faith-based school, we thought that background would equip him to serve as our president.”

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