President Timothy Quinnan was honored by receiving the inaugural Sharp Leadership Award at the 2024 Commencement ceremony. Trustee Tom Decosimo of Chattanooga and Board Chair Ann Keller of Atlanta jointly sponsored this new award to recognize extraordinary leadership contributions which “leave an indelible mark in the Parade of Providence that defines Richmont.”

The title of this new award, Sharp, refers to the multi-generational impact of both the Sharp and Gillespie families who have been instrumental to the University’s longevity and success. Given their legacy, it is only fitting that the Sharp name was used to celebrate today’s leaders whose “…determination and ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible” enable Richmont to flourish.

In acknowledging the award, Dr. Quinnan stated that “Serving at Richmont these last seven years has been the most exhilarating of my career. It’s a privilege I never take for granted and thank the Lord for every day.” He arrived in 2017 and has led the University to record levels of enrollment, fund-raising, external grant awards, governmental recognition, and academic excellence. Dr. Quinnan also authored the University’s strategic plans, launched a thriving online degree program, added the first doctoral program in school history, and secured gold-standard recognition for Richmont by both state, accreditation agency, and profession-specific licensing boards.