Louisburg College names new president

Louisburg, N.C. — Louisburg College named Dr. Mark David La Branche, current senior vice president of external affairs at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala., as its next leader.

La Branche joins the school amid financial troubles that threaten its accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put the school on probation in June. If the school's financial picture doesn't improve by the end of the year, it risks losing its accreditation, which would affect students' eligibility for financial aid.

During his time at Huntingdon, La Branche told Louisburg, "The college has journeyed from financial difficulty and subsequent probation ... to financial health, removal of probation and significant growth. I believe the experience and knowledge gained during this time of challenge and opportunity would serve me well in responding to similar challenges and opportunities at Louisburg College.”

La Branche received his doctor of ministry from Boston University School of Theology, his master of divinity from Emory University and his bachelor of arts with major area of study in philosophy from the University of South Alabama.