Leadership Council Member Spotlight
John Pritchett
John Pritchett is one of the newest members of the COSAM Dean’s Leadership Council. He received a bachelor of science from Auburn University in biological sciences in 1965, followed by a master’s in physiology and biochemistry in 1968. Pritchett went on to Iowa State University and received a doctorate in physiology and biochemistry in 1973.
Pritchett brings with him more than 40 years of experience in higher education administration and has served in many roles at both Auburn and Florida Atlantic University.
“I have a sincere interest in the college and its programs and look forward to serving with such an outstanding group,” said Pritchett. “The student-centered atmosphere and committed faculty are great strengths of COSAM.”
He joined the faculty at Auburn in 1973 as assistant professor of physiology, became associate professor in 1978 and full professor in 1983. In 1979, he was awarded an alumni professorship for his academic achievement and in 1982, was named head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology.
After the reorganization of COSAM in 1986, Pritchett became chair of the Department of Zoology and Wildlife Science and in 1995, was named associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of the Graduate School.
His many accomplishments at Auburn include implementing a new undergraduate recruitment program and increasing extramural research funding. He worked with university administration to plan for resource allocation, program development and other special initiatives.
Appointments to the positions of associate provost for academic affairs and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs followed before joining Florida Atlantic University in 2004 as university provost, chief academic officer and professor of biomedical sciences.
From 2009-2010, Pritchett served as interim president of FAU. Under his leadership, FAU developed a Graduate College, introduced the university’s new general education curriculum, and helped raise FAU’s research profile at the national and international levels. As interim president, he led the establishment of an independent College of Medicine at FAU.
“I’m most proud of the accomplishments of my former students and the faculty I served as an administrator,” said Pritchett.
Pritchett is a longtime-giver to both COSAM and the College of Education, where he established a scholarship in memory of his first wife, Jane, and in honor of his wife, Ginger, and his daughter, Lindsey, all who were and are accomplished elementary teachers.
A native of Geneva, Ala., Pritchett has retired to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains” with his wife. Their four children, David, Lindsey, Derek and Keith, are all Auburn graduates.
Although Pritchett has no specific hobbies, he said keeping up with the “honey-do list” keeps him occupied. The Pritchetts enjoy spending time with their 14 grandchildren.