November 2005

Former Sherman president Hardee named chancellor

Just two weeks after his retirement announcement, former Sherman College President Jerry L. Hardee, EdD, it was announced he would rejoin the college as chancellor.

As chancellor, Hardee ‑‑ who served as the college's third president ‑‑ will supervise areas of institutional advancement, enrollment services, public relations and leadership development.

Hardee had accepted the presidency of Sherman College in July 2001 fresh out of a recent retirement from more than 40 years of service in education and administration. He expected to serve Sherman as president for about three years, committing to do everything in his power to advance and further improve the institution. Four years later, he said, retirement called again. However, he spoke of his hopes to stay involved with the college in some capacity and now looks forward to serving as chancellor.

"It's not easy to simply walk away from an institution when it has become so important to one's very existence," Hardee said. "Sherman has become a part of my life and I'm happy to continue to contribute to its success. In this new role, I shall do all I can to bring to fruition several of the projects that were ongoing or in the planning stages during my presidency."

Hardee said he is also looking forward to maintaining his commitment to the Spartanburg community, including his service to the boards of directors of many local organizations. He has been involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Phyllis Wheatley, Boy Scouts of America, Carolina Foothills Artisans Center, Charles Lea Center, Senior Centers of Spartanburg County, Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg, United Way of Spartanburg, the Vision 2005 Committee of the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Education Advisory Committee of the University of South Carolina Upstate and more.

Sherman's founder and Interim President Thomas A. Gelardi, D.C., noted that he is thrilled to have Hardee return and looks forward to his continued contributions to the college, particularly in the areas of advancement, enrollment and leadership development.

"Dr. Hardee made many notable contributions to Sherman College during his presidency," Dr. Gelardi commented. "We are so pleased that he has decided to accept the role of chancellor, and we look forward to his continued involvement with the college."