Dr. Paul Gratton has been appointed Interim Vice President for the School of Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) at Montreat College. Dr. Gratton will succeed Dr. Dave Poole, who submitted his resignation as VP, effective Friday, July 14. Dr. Poole has been selected to be the next president of San Diego Christian College.
Dr. Poole came to Montreat College in April 2020 with nearly 40 years of experience in business and higher education, including success growing online enrollment at multiple Christ-centered institutions, most notably California Baptist University. During his tenure, Dr. Poole led a turnaround in AGS, yielding 25 percent growth in online enrollment within three years. Under his leadership, more than 15 new AGS degree programs were established, and hundreds of courses were redeveloped to improve online classes and the overall student experience. In addition, several articulation agreements were created to make it easier for students at community colleges to transfer to Montreat College. Dr. Poole also played a key role in recruiting high-caliber faculty and staff to AGS.
“Under Dr. Poole’s leadership, tremendous progress has been made toward our vision of exponentially increasing online and graduate enrollment,” said President Paul J. Maurer. “I am grateful for his service, dedication, and vision in rebuilding and growing Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies.”
Dr. Paul Gratton, Associate Dean for Adult and Graduate Studies, has been at Montreat College since 2017 and has worked closely with Dr. Poole as a key member of the AGS administration. Dr. Gratton’s involvement in and knowledge of the turnaround will allow AGS to continue to build momentum. A national search for the next Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies has commenced.
“I applaud the progress AGS achieved under Dr. Poole’s leadership,” said Maurer. “I wish him God’s best as he returns to California and transitions into his role as president of San Diego Christian. I appreciate Dr. Gratton’s willingness to lead AGS in an interim capacity, and I trust God will bring the right person to Montreat College to continue growing our adult and graduate programs.”