The University of Montevallo named an interim president at a special board of trustees meeting June 26.

Terry Roberson was formally the provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education emeritus.

He is replacing John W. Stewart III, who announced his departure in May.

AL.com asked university administrators for details about Stewart’s departure and the university’s finances Thursday but did not immediately receive a response.

In May, Stewart told the Shelby County Reporter that the university’s “rising operating expenses have led to expenses outpacing revenues.” The college has cut some programs and staff roles.

Roberson has served as interim president in the past. His responsibilities included overseeing programs and services operations, budgeting and finance, according to the university.

Roberson spent 30 years in education before retiring in 2013. He’s had multiple leadership roles at Montevallo including dean of graduate studies from 2002 to 2007 and dean of the College of Education and Human Development from 1993 to 2002.

He began his career at Montevallo in 1984 and served as an adjunct instructor in the College of Education and Human Development in retirement.

Roberson has a bachelor’s degree in biology and English from Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Montevallp and an Ed.D. degree in instructional leadership, curriculum and instruction from Auburn University.

The Board of Trustees is starting a presidential search. Montevallo has 3,088 students.

Enrollment has increased 23.4% since 2019.