CBU selects interim Archer as president

University abandons national search, confirms veteran professor to lead school

David Archer has been selected as the 24th president of Christian Brothers University, giving permanence to the interim appointment he began last November. The new president was previously an associate professor and director of the university’s health care MBA program.

Archer succeeds Jack Shannon, who CBU said left the university in November to pursue other opportunities. Shannon became president in July 2019.

CBU’S board said it embarked on a presidential search with the assistance of consultant Ann Hasselmo of Academic Search, but suspended the national search due to remarks from campus.

“After receiving input from numerous meetings with various constituencies of the university – faculty, staff, students, administrators, and trustees – we have chosen to take their advice and extend Dave’s appointment into a permanent position instead of conducting a national search,” Louis “Bo” Allen, chair of the CBU Board of Trustees, said in a university release Tuesday.

Over the last few months as interim president, Archer has “has more than proven himself capable,” Allen said.

The leadership turnover places CBU in a similar position as several Memphis higher education institutions. In addition to CBU, new presidents have either been named or started their leadership tenures at Lemoyne-owen College, University of Memphis, Rhodes College and University of Tennessee Health Science Center since December 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Archer, CBU will have a president with nearly 20 years of experience as the CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare in Memphis. He has also served on the

boards for Guiding Star Memphis, Tennessee Hospital Association and the Greater Memphis Chamber.

Assuming the presidency makes Archer both proud and humbled, he said. He described the university as a “tight-knit community” with “a bright future.”

“By continuing CBU’S rich tradition of inclusion, access, and affordability, we will prepare our students to serve generously, lead purposefully, and live as responsible stewards for future generations,” Archer said in a statement.

“I look forward to supporting our faculty, staff, and students in pursuit of that transformational purpose. That purpose – and the Lasallian principles that guide it here at CBU – will define my role as president of this university,” he continued.

Details of an inauguration are forthcoming, CBU said.

Laura Testino can be reached at laura.testino@commercialappeal.com or 901-512-3763.