College President

Dr. Daniel Norton, who became the President of Principia College in July 2023, has a deep background in higher education. Before joining Principia, he was associate provost/associate vice president for international programs at The University of Southern Mississippi where he was also director of the Center for International Education. He has also worked as associate dean of international studies at Goucher College, director of international programs at Stephen F. Austin State University, director of international programs at Muskingum University, and assistant professor of English at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Norton earned his BA in history from the University of South Florida, where he also received a master’s degree in applied linguistics. He received his PhD in English/composition and applied linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

As a class-taught Christian Scientist who came into the religion as a young adult, Dr. Norton is excited to lead an institution of higher education that is rooted and grounded in the teachings of Christian Science. “We have an incredible resource in Christian Science,” he says. “That foundation is what will carry Principia College through any challenges.”

Dr. Norton’s decades of experience provide a breadth and depth of expertise in international education, and he has an excellent track record of achieving strategic enrollment growth. “Dr. Norton’s experience recruiting students and growing enrollment at several institutions, his global higher-education expertise, and his profound spiritual perspective are precisely what are needed to advance Principia College in the modern era,” says Principia Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell. “He brings a robust vision for Principia College’s future growth, and we are thrilled to have him taking the helm at the College.”

Dr. Norton’s wife, Carolyn McIntyre Norton, is an artist whose work has been shown in group and solo shows nationally and internationally. His daughter, Caitlin (Norton) Howe (US’06, C’10), and son-in-law, Colby Howe (C’10), are both Principia graduates.