Spring Commencement 2020

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER K ina S. Mallard , Ph.D.

Dr. Kina Mallard has dedicated her life to leading faith-based colleges and universities. Having just completed a five-year tenure as President of Reinhardt University in Waleska, G eorgia , she is currently consultant and coach to college presidents and their leadership teams. Prior to Reinhardt, she served as Executive Vice President at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Academic Dean at Gordon College in Massachusetts, and Department Chair and Associate Provost at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. She holds a MA and Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Tennessee and a BS in Speech and Theatre from Middle Tennessee State University. Under Dr. Mallard’s leadership, Reinhardt made impressive advances in enrollment and retention, program offerings, fundraising, and reputation regionally and nationally. In her last four years, enrollment increased 15%, retention i ncreased 9%, fundraising increased 30%, and the academic profile of entering first-year students increased. The University invested over $40M in facilities and technology including building three buildings and renovating residence halls, classrooms, and athletic facilities. In her own words, “I find my joy in strengthening institutions, in supporting faculty and staff, and in watching students enter college as tentative young adults and graduate as bold, educated, and equipped servant-leaders ready to take their place in the world.” Dr. Mallard is married to Steve Dietz, Vice President of Business Development at Food Donation Connection. Together they have five children, six grandchildren, and two labradoodles. While writing her dissertation, Kina spent a year teaching speech courses at Bluefield College.