Dr. John Pritchett was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as Interim President beginning September 14, 2009. He had been University Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Florida Atlantic University since April 1, 2004 and has extensive experience in university administration, providing overall leadership to the University’s academic programs.

Prior to his appointment at FAU, Dr. Pritchett was a member of the faculty and held numerous administrative posts at Auburn University. Dr. Pritchett joined the faculty at Auburn in 1973 as an Assistant Professor of Physiology. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1978 and to the rank of Professor in 1983. In 1979, he was recognized for academic achievement through appointment to an Alumni Professorship.

In 1982, Dr. Pritchett was appointed Head of Auburn’s Department of Zoology – Entomology. With the re-organization of the University in 1986, he was appointed Head of the Department of Zoology and Wildlife Science in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. In 1995, Dr. Pritchett commenced service as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School. In October of 2000 he was appointed Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School.

In February, 2001, Dr. Pritchett was named Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He served in that position until October of 2003 at which time he was appointed as Associate Provost and Vice President for Graduate Studies.

Dr. Pritchett’s degrees include a Ph.D. in animal physiology and biochemistry from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in physiology and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Auburn University.

Dr. Pritchett and his wife Ginger have four children (David, Lindsey, Derek and Keith) and 12 grandchildren.