Archer named as CBU interim president after Shannon departs job
Associate professor leads healthcare MBA program
David Archer has been named Christian Brothers University interim president, the university announced Friday. He replaced Jack Shannon, who the university said departed Friday.
Archer is an associate professor of management and the director of CBU’S healthcare MBA program. He said he was honored to take the position.
“During this transition, I will keep our core Lasallian principles and mission at the forefront of everything we do,” he said in a statement. “It will be my top priority to ensure our students receive an education that will provide the foundation for a successful and flourishing life of service.”
Archer holds a master of arts in theology, master of public health and a master of business administration from CBU. He also serves as a board member of Guiding Star Memphis, the Tennessee Hospital Association and the Greater Memphis Chamber.
Chairman Bo Allen said the university was fortunate to have someone with familiarity with CBU’S mission and campus.
“I look forward to working with him, and I know we will not miss a beat during this transition. As Lasallians, we will continue to emphasize academic excellence, faith formation, inclusion, respect for the individual, service, and social justice. I look forward to the bright future of CBU,” Allen said.
Shannon, who had been CBU president since July 2019, departed the university as of Friday.
“Under his leadership, we faced one of the most difficult times the nation has seen, with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thankful that Jack led us through this difficult time and has allowed us to be ready to handle the next 150 years and remain true to our core convictions,” CBU said.
In a release, CBU said Shannon was leaving to pursue other opportunities but it was not immediately clear what triggered his departure.
Shannon could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday.
When he assumed the presidency at CBU, Shannon said he intended to continue and expand upon a privatelyfunded program to enroll students in the federal government’s Deferred Action Against Childhood Arrivals program, which had been set up by his predecessor.
Immediately before coming to CBU, Shannon led the office of strategic alliances, economic development and civic partnerships at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. He also had previously served as Montclair’s vice president for advancement.
Before that, he worked in economic development in Baltimore.
The university will start a search for a new permanent president in the coming months.
Corinne S Kennedy covers economic development, healthcare and soccer for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at Corinne.kennedy@commercialappeal.com