Meet the President
We are a community in every sense of the word, and that starts at the top. Piedmont University’s leader, Marshall Criser, extends a warm welcome to every student, alumni, and faculty and staff member – as well as all potential students. President Criser takes the mission of Piedmont seriously, and he is thrilled to help the University forward that goal into a bright future.
President Criser is excited to guide an expanding school that features both a 400-acre home campus in Demorest and a cosmopolitan satellite campus in Athens – designed specifically for commuting students who are seeking to complete their undergraduate education or earn a graduate degree.
About our President
Marshall Criser is the 14th President of Piedmont University. President Criser’s illustrious career includes serving as chancellor of Florida’s university system for eight years where he led the system to a No. 1 ranking in the nation. Prior to serving as chancellor, President Criser was a distinguished business leader as president of AT&T Florida.
During his time as chancellor, President Criser served on the Florida Talent Development Council and the Credential Review Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Council of 100, where he is a former chair.
President Criser graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in business administration and completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
He is married to the former Kimberly Dawn Robbins. The Crisers have four daughters and sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
President’s Newsletter
The President’s Newsletter, published monthly, offers a snapshot of life at Piedmont University by highlighting our remarkable people and events.
Office of the President
Piedmont Administration Welcomes You!
The Office of the President includes essential departments of Piedmont University. The areas of Human Resources, Public Affairs, University Advancement, Campus Security, and Facilities are departments within the Office of the President.
Erin Forester
Executive Assistant, President
Phone: 706-778-8500 x1370
Email: eforester@piedmont.edu
Campus: Demorest
Education: MBA, BA, Piedmont University
Renee’ Fargason
Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 850-591-3553
Email: rfargason@piedmont.edu
Campus: Demorest
Letitia Roller
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources & Compliance
Phone: 706-778-8500 x 2858
Email: lroller@piedmont.edu
Campus: Demorest
Education: MBA, Piedmont University; BA University of South Carolina
Jim Andrews
Chief, Campus Police
Phone: 706-778-8500 x 1070
Email: jandrews@piedmont.edu
Campus: Demorest
Ann Sutton
Assistant Vice President, Advancement & Development
Phone: 706-776-0148
Email: asutton@piedmont.edu
Campus : Demorest
Education : MBA, BA, Piedmont University
Hank Knight
Assistant Vice President, Facility Management & Safety
Phone: 706-778-8500 x 1102
Email: hknight@piedmont.edu
Campus : Demorest
Jamie Purdy
Director, Intercollegiate Athletics & Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Phone: 706-778-3000 x1284
Email: jpurdy@piedmont.edu
Campus : Demorest
Senior Administrators
These leaders help make Piedmont University the unique place that it is through their hard work and dedication to the school and all involved.
Vickie Turner
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Phone: 706-778-8500 x2838
Email: vturner@piedmont.edu
CAMPUS: Demorest
EDUCATION: MPA, BA, Piedmont University
Kim Crawford
Vice President, Student Affairs
Phone: 706-778-8500, x1050
Email: kcrawford@piedmont.edu
CAMPUS : Demorest
EDUCATION : EDd, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; MAT, Georgia College & State University; BA, Reinhardt College
Kristie Harris
CFO and Vice President of Finance
Phone: 706-778-8500, x1457
Email: kharris@piedmont.edu
CAMPUS : Demorest
EDUCATION : M.S., Public Administration, Florida State University; B.S. Finance, Florida State University
Board of Trustees
The Piedmont University Board of Trustees provides leadership and guidance to the university.