Maryville College has a new chair leading its Board of Directors, and she's a familiar face on the campus. Marcia Kilby, an alumna from the class of 1989, is set to take the reins in September for a three-year term. Kilby steps in following C. Michael "Mike" Davis Jr.'s tenure, which began in 2021 after the sudden loss of A. Coleman "Cole" Piper ’68. Davis, with a nine-year stint on the board, supervised the College's growth and the creation of new sporting facilities and alliances. Maryville College credits him with significant contributions, including the MC Downtown Center and movement into the Southern Athletic Association.
The changeover is marked by both continuity and new beginnings. Kilby brings to the table an extensive background in both law and alma mater engagement. In her ascent to the board's top position, Kilby plans to, as she says, "continue to provide new opportunities to grow, learn, and lead" within and beyond the Maryville College community, according to a statement obtained by Maryville College. Her history with the college and various committees—including time as the Alumni Association president—suggests a deep-seated dedication to the institution.
Her predecessor, Davis, leaves behind a legacy of consensus and collaboration. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of his time, emphasizing the cooperative efforts that led to the College's successes. "When everyone has an opportunity to put forth what they feel is best for Maryville College, we managed to find a consensus that let the College flourish," Davis told Maryville College. The institution's president, Dr. Bryan Coker, commended Davis for steering the College through a challenging and unprecedented period for American higher education.
Marcia Kilby has a long history with the College, dating back to her first steps on campus as a student in the mid-'80s. A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History, she would go on to collect a Juris Doctorate from Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville and serve as chief legal officer for DeRoyal Industries, Inc. Her active participation in Maryville College's various alumni and governance bodies positions her to seamlessly uphold the school's mission—to "do good on the largest possible scale." Kilby iterated her goals, stating, "Together, we will help the College in its ongoing mission to 'do good on the largest possible scale'," as per Maryville College's announcement.
As Maryville College ushers in Kilby's era of leadership, the campus community stands on the cornerstone of shared experience and an enduring, forward-looking spirit. She will be working closely with President Coker, faculty, staff, and students to navigate the challenges faced by small independent colleges, ensuring the institution's legacy of educational excellence persists.
