Morningside University board chair to serve as interim president during transition

Morningside University has selected its board of directors chair to serve as its temporary leader as current president Albert Mosley prepares to depart for a new job.

The private university, located in Sioux City, announced in a news release Friday that Mosley will leave the university on June 30 to take on the role of president at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Chad Benson, chair of the board of directors and a Morningside alum, will work as the interim president for the next two years.

“Serving as President of Morningside has been a tremendous honor,” Mosley said in the release. “This is a place full of blessings, promise, and heart. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and deeply grateful for the support of the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and this incredible community. I know Morningside is in great hands and will continue to flourish into the future.”

Mosley started as Morningside’s president in 2022, the release stated, and during his time at the university he led efforts to modernize technology across campus and expand academic programming, such as initiating a fundraising campaign that would add a business school to the college’s offerings.

According to the release, the board will use the two-year period of Benson’s interim presidency to explore “long-range strategic opportunities and timing for the university’s next presidential search.” Former board chair and current trustee Curt White will step into the role once again during this period.

White said in the release Benson is the right choice to lead the university during this transitional period, with his longtime relationship to Morningside and his leadership and strategic skills.

“Dr. Mosley has served Morningside with energy, grace, and an unwavering belief in our mission,” Benson said in the release. “We thank him for his impact and wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter. Morningside is in motion—and we remain laser-focused on delivering an experience that equips students to thrive in a complex world through innovation, character, community, and purpose.”