Huntingdon College announced their Montgomery-based institution will have a new President for the first time in 21 years.

The school named Dr. Anthony Leigh to the role effective July 1, 2024. Leigh is currently the Senior Vice President for Student and Institutional Development and Dean of Students at the college.

Huntingdon Board of Trustees Chairman Leura Garrett Canary praised the abilities of both Leigh and current President J. Cameron West, who after leaving the position will become President Emeritus and Senior Advisor for United Methodist Polity.

“Dr. Anthony Leigh has demonstrated an unmatched passion and enthusiasm for serving Huntingdon students,” said Canary. “He is a gifted administrator, and he clearly understands the internal operations of the College and effectively communicates the mission of the College to external constituencies. He is deeply respected and admired by students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and across his vast network of contacts.”

“For 15 years, he has been an integral part of the success of President West’s leadership, and we are confident that he is the leader Huntingdon needs to propel the College to its next chapter of excellence and to champion the Heart of Huntingdon campaign.”

Dr. Anthony Leigh expressed his sincere gratitude for being named the next president.

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as the 15th President of Huntingdon College,” Leigh said.

“I’ve had a front row seat to the transformational experience a Huntingdon education offers our students. Huntingdon changes lives. Thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff, Huntingdon graduates are prepared to be difference makers in the communities and in the career fields in which they serve. Some of the finest people I know are Huntingdon alumni, and the world is a better place because of the lives of service of Huntingdon women and men. The College enjoys a respected reputation across Alabama and beyond, and I look forward to celebrating and advancing the greatness of the Huntingdon experience around the region.”

“Serving Huntingdon students fuels me, and I’m excited about working with our dedicated faculty and staff in this new role and leveraging the resources of our alumni and friends for the benefit of our exceptional student body.”

As his time leading Huntingdon comes to a close, current President J. Cameron West is confident that the college will remain in good hands.

“Today is a great day at Huntingdon College,” West declared. “The Board of Trustees has named a superbly gifted higher education leader to serve as the College’s 15th President. Dr. Anthony Leigh knows and loves Huntingdon College, has been a trusted colleague to me in crafting and operationalizing the College’s mission, and is a wise counselor in all matters internal and external in the life of this thriving institution of teaching and learning.”

“Huntingdon College is enjoying a bright present and will enjoy a bright future with him at the presidential helm.”

Dr. Leigh is an Alabama native and a cum laude graduate of Wofford College in South Carolina where he received a bachelor’s degree in government. He has completed a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Georgia.

He’s also a member of Montgomery First United Methodist Church and also attends Frazer Church. Leigh is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Business Council of Alabama, and a member of the Committee on the Episcopacy for the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten