LMU President Clayton Hess will retire after 42 years at university

Areena Arora, Knoxville News Sentinel
·1 min read

After a 42-year career at Lincoln Memorial University, President Clayton Hess will retire at the end of 2023.

Senior Executive Vice President Jason McConnell will serve as interim president beginning Jan. 1, 2024, and a national search is planned for the university's next leader, according to a press release.

Hess started working for LMU in 1981 shortly after he graduated; he served in various roles, including provost and vice president for academic affairs. He was named the university's 21st president in July 2017.

“After more than 42 years of service to LMU, I am ready to spend more time focusing on my family, especially my grandchildren, and other business and professional interests,” Hess said in the press release. “I have greatly enjoyed my time at LMU and working with so many wonderful and supportive people. LMU is a great institution and I was fortunate to play a part in its success."

Lincoln Memorial University President Clayton Hess announced his retirement after a 42-year career with the university. He will retire the end of the year.
Lincoln Memorial University President Clayton Hess announced his retirement after a 42-year career with the university. He will retire the end of the year.

Hess has a bachelor's degree in history and two master's degrees from LMU. He has a doctorate in human services counseling from Walden University.

McConnell was named the senior executive vice president last month. He joined the university in 2001 as a member of the Information Technology department.

Areena Arora, data and investigative reporter for Knox News, can be reached by email at areena.arora@knoxnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AreenaArora.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: LMU president Clayton Hess announces retirement