Stephen R. Briggs: President 2006-2025
Dr. Steve Briggs, Berry’s president since 2006 was a champion for educational pathways and experiences that advanced the personal and professional development of students.
Under his leadership, Berry renewed its emphasis on a model of education that unites challenging intellectual inquiry with practical learning in a culture that values mentoring.
Under Briggs, the college established a number of innovative programs. An endowed scholarship program enables more than 100 students to work their way through college, graduating with professional experience rather than debt. Another 100 students participate in a mentoring program with respected leaders in the local community as they consider together how to live and lead with integrity.
During Briggs’ tenure, Berry increased its academic offerings. Sciences were the largest area of study, but there are strong programs in the humanities and arts as well as business, education, nursing and creative technologies.
During this period, the college opened or renovated a dozen buildings and enhanced the beauty of its campus. Berry made a winning transition to NCAA-Division III, added six new varsity sports, upgraded its athletic facilities and became a founding member of the Southern Athletic Association. The college collaborated with the city of Rome to establish the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, one of the largest facilities in the country, and developed a retirement community with continuing care facilities, The Spires at Berry.
Briggs came to Berry with more than 30 years of leadership experience at colleges in Oklahoma, Florida and New Jersey. He served on the boards of a number of professional organizations and was active in church and community endeavors.
A personality psychologist by training, Briggs earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He and his wife Brenda are both graduates of Wake Forest University.