GREENEVILLE – Chuck Sutton, who has played a vital role in the holistic development of Tusculum University students for 15 years, has earned a promotion to vice president of student affairs and retention.
This is the latest elevation in title for Sutton, who has steadily risen through the ranks at the university in his student-focused roles. He most recently served as associate vice president of student affairs and retention, leading a team that provides housing, programming, spiritual guidance and other behind-the-scenes support that helps keep students on a path toward graduation and success in life. His oversight of this group and these initiatives will continue with his new title.
“Chuck is an impressive leader who connects exceptionally with students through his wise and heartfelt counsel,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Students know he has their best interests at heart, and he captures their attention and respect even when the message might be difficult to hear. He has profoundly impacted our students by exemplifying our caring Christian environment through his actions.”
One example of the high regard in which students hold Sutton is Tusculum’s annual Lantern Festival. During that event, graduating students present pins to faculty and staff members who have been particularly meaningful during their Tusculum studies. Sutton is often called forward many times during the ceremony to receive a pin.
Tusculum has twice honored Sutton with an Outstanding Service to Students award.
“Long after they graduate, Chuck’s life lessons continue to resonate with our students,” Dr. Hummel said. “Chuck’s spiritual underpinning and personal discipline are evident whenever he speaks with students, and he is an excellent role model for our Pioneers. We are fortunate to have Chuck looking out for our students.”
Sutton joined the Tusculum family in 2010 as a counselor in the Upward Bound program, which serves high school students in the region whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree and/or who come from lower-income households. Through its programs and services, Upward Bound encourages students to pursue education beyond high school.
The next step for Sutton was to serve as the multicultural retention specialist for Student Support Services at Tusculum, which serves first-generation students while they are enrolled at Tusculum. In addition to its multitude of services and programs that enrich their personal lives and help move them toward graduation as undergraduates, this program encourages students to strongly consider pursuing a master’s degree.
From 2018 until 2022, Sutton served as director of student affairs. He was the point of contact for principal behavior education in conduct matters and developed student programming opportunities. He volunteered with Tusculum’s football program and facilitated the Pioneer Peers mentoring program designed to help new students.
His career progression continued in 2022, when he was promoted to dean of students, a decision that generated an outpouring of support from students. He oversaw the Office of Students Affairs’ judicial process, work-study programs and intramural staff and took the lead in assistance and support initiatives for students of concern.
Then, Sutton earned the promotion in 2024 to associate vice president, which placed him as the supervisor for the Office of Student Affairs and enabled him to join the Executive Cabinet. That group advises and assists Dr. Hummel with Tusculum’s day-to-day operations. Sutton will continue to serve on the cabinet with his new title.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to help our students achieve their calling and purpose and be well prepared not only academically but also socially, mentally and spiritually for the next phase of their lives,” Sutton said. “I am blessed to have a strong team assisting me and am grateful for the support of our faculty and fellow staff members who collaborate with us to help our students. It is a privilege to serve our students and help them become career-ready professionals who can lead in their communities.”
Additional information about the Office of Student Affairs is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/student-affairs/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.
