Excited to welcome our new president! I trust her words and her vision, and I look forward to seeing her unique energy reflected in the life of Lynchburg

In helping to choose the University of Lynchburg's next president, I was so impressed by the number of quality people who were interested in the position.  They were from a broad geographic area, held a wide array of positions,  and possessed unique experiences.  Dr. Sally Selden rose to the top every step of the way.

After a diligent and inclusive search, I am inspired to welcome Dr. Selden, whose record of achievement and authentic communication perfectly align with our beloved university’s trajectory. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Selden, who understands that inclusive excellence is our engine for innovation and that our greatest strength lies in a community where every voice is heard and valued. 

While I was deeply impressed by the depth and breadth of our candidate pool, Dr. Selden was a true standout​. She articulated ​an authentic love for Lynchburg ​combined with a strategic vision to ​move the institution forward​. Dr. Selden has ​experience in leading enrollment and retention growth​. She clearly communicated innovative initiatives specifically designed to drive those efforts ​at Lynchburg. Most importantly, she values the student experience​. ​She is dedicated to developing the ​"whole student​" by keeping both their academic and co-curricular journeys at the very forefront of our strategic planning

Dr. Selden's proven leadership will give our campus and larger community the opportunity to work together for growth and student success. I look forward to being part of a student-centered, future-focused team with her direction and support.

The University was fortunate to receive strong interest from an impressive pool of candidates for the presidency. After careful consideration, Dr. Selden distinguished herself through her vision, experience, and clear alignment with the University’s mission. Her commitment to academic and institutional excellence reflects our dedication to cultivating independent thinkers who become trustworthy, effective leaders that shape caring communities. Throughout her career, Dr. Selden has demonstrated a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education. Her selection as the University’s 12th president reflects her commitment to student success. She is well positioned to articulate—and advance—the life-changing opportunities the University provides to its students.

Dr. Sally Selden is a phenomenal choice. She brings an extraordinary combination of high intelligence, contagious passion, and unmatched energy. Her vision for the future of higher education is both realistic and incredibly inspiring. As the athletic representative on the search committee, I was thrilled by her deep understanding of the Division III model. Crucially, she profoundly recognizes the vital intersection of academics and athletics, understanding that a thriving Division III athletic program isn't separate from our educational mission—it is a powerful catalyst for it. I am incredibly proud to welcome her as our next president. After more than three decades here, I have never been more excited for our future.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Sally Selden. I remember her well from my undergraduate and graduate years at the University of Lynchburg. While many adjectives describe my memories of Dr. Selden—magnanimous, astute, and collegial all come to mind—I remember her most for being incredibly student-centered. I always knew that when I spoke to Dr. Selden, whether the topic was academic or personal, she truly listened. She has a unique skill for identifying people's strengths and empowering them to use those strengths to grow.  She brings exceptional leadership experience, having successfully improved the faculty experience, increased student enrollment and retention, and secured significant gifts. Furthermore, she serves as a member of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Welcome home, Dr. Selden!

Dr. Selden brings an exceptional combination of higher education experience and passion for the University. She consistently prioritizes the student experience. She is a thoughtful and strategic leader who is deeply committed to developing her teams and approaches decision-making with a strong commitment to evidence-based practices, while also remaining mindful of the human impact of those decisions.  Her experience in higher education is extensive, spanning roles from teaching to administration, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the academic environment and the issues facing higher education as well as the opportunities.