President of college in South Carolina dies in his home, officials say
Newberry College’s president, Dr. Maurice “Morrie” Scherrens, died Sunday, according to a news release from the school’s board of trustees.
The 76-year-old “died peacefully at his home ... surrounded by his wife and family, after a battle with illness,” Dr. Lenna Young of the Newberry College Board of Trustees said in the release.
Further information about Scherrens’ cause of death was not available.
Scherrens served as Newberry College president since 2012.
“His leadership left a lasting mark on our institution, and his loss will be felt across our campus and beyond,” Young said.
Scherrens received a doctorate of education from the University of Southern California, according to his biography on Newberry College’s website. He received his undergraduate and MBA from Central Michigan University and a doctor of law degree from George Washington University.
He came to Newberry College following a stint at George Mason, where Scherrens served as senior vice president and chief operating officer.
“Scherrens led Newberry College for over a decade to unparalleled growth, expansion, and recognition,” Young said. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for President Scherrens’ devoted service to the Newberry College family and community. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and their family during this difficult time.”
Scherrens had four children, according to his biography.
Under Scherrens, Newberry College’s student body has grown steadily, as the college added 13 undergraduate degree programs, including South Carolina’s only bachelor’s-level program in respiratory therapy, officials said.
The athletic department at Newberry College has flourished during Scherrens’ tenure, adding field hockey, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s lacrosse, women’s triathlon and women’s rugby, according to the school’s website.
Following Scherrens’ death, Newberry College’s board appointed Dr. David Harpool as interim president. Harpool has served the college since 2022 as special advisor to the president and was serving as acting president because of Scherrens’ illness, according to Young.
Harpool “brings a deep understanding of Newberry’s mission and operations,” Young said. “We are confident in his ability to lead the college with care, clarity and continuity during this transition period.
“Newberry College remains steadfast in its mission as we grieve this tremendous loss together.”
Information about funeral services for Scherrens were not available. The college is expected to share more about any memorials in the coming days.
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This story was originally published April 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM.
