Montgomery, Alabama – Today, the Alabama State Board of Education appointed Col. David J. Mollahan as president of Marion Military Institute, effective August 1.

The board approved the recommendation following a nationwide presidential search which brought in 49 applicants. Susan Stevenson has served as interim president since June, replacing Col. James Benson, who served as president of MMI since July of 2004.

“Col. Mollahan’s passion for education and commitment to excellence made him the perfect choice as president of MMI,” stated Interim Chancellor Joan Davis who recommended Mollahan for the position. “We are very excited to have someone with his knowledge and experience joining our system. I am certain that he will provide excellent leadership.”

A career Marine, Mollahan most recently served as director of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Senior Marine Corps Representative at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Prior to that, he served as commanding officer for Marine Aircraft Group 26 during combat operations in Iraq, and operations and training in New River, NC. His career has spanned over the last 30 years.

Mollahan holds a master’s degree in Military Studies from Marine Corps University Command and Staff College in Decatur, GA, and a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He also received additional training at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Joint Forces Staff College.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of the great legacy and proud tradition that defines Marion Military Institute,” stated Mollahan. “Its reputation for excellence in higher education, both in terms of academics and leadership development, is well known. My wife, Ingrid, and I are very excited, and are looking forward to becoming part of the Marion family and community.”

MMI officially became part of the ACCS in June of 2006. The 167-year-old military institute is the oldest military junior college in the nation, producing more than 200 generals and admirals for the U.S. armed forces.