After Hill's passing and two years of searching, the Board of Schools of the Methodist Church selected Edward C. Paustin as the new president.
During his three-year tenure, Paustin changed the direction of the school from industrial training to a more traditional liberal arts education.
It is likely that the expense of maintaining the shops during a time of economic crisis drove some of these policies.
Despite his efforts, Paustin was unable to turn the school around financially and he resigned in 1937.
J.W. Haywood succeeded Paustin, becoming the college's first black president and managing the school for seven years.

In 1944, Miller W. Boyd, an Abingdon, Virginia native, became the first Morristown College alumnus to be president of the institution.
He sought funding for the school by establishing relationships with Morristown's business community, instituting financial support from alumni, and gaining support from the Holston Conference.
Through his efforts, enrollment rose to 435 (the largest in the school's history), the college's finances improved, and relations with the community were further raised.

Boyd elevated the college to levels not seen since Dr. Hill's tenure.
When some thought the college was headed toward demise, Boyd thought otherwise, working tirelessly to promote spirit and loyalty among the students and staff.
In the fall of 1952, Boyd died and his wife, Mary Whitten, served as interim president for the remainder of the year.
H.L. Dickason, former president of Bluefield State College, succeeded Whitten in 1953 until his death in 1957.
 Other presidents included Dr. Leonard Haynes, Jr., Dr. Elmer P. Gibson, Dr. Raymond E. White, and Dr. Charles Wade.
After Hill's passing and two years of searching, the Board of Schools of the Methodist Church selected Edward C. Paustin as the new president. During his three-year tenure, Paustin changed the direction of the school from industrial training to a more traditional liberal arts education. It is likely that the expense of maintaining the shops during a time of economic crisis drove some of these policies. Despite his efforts, Paustin was unable to turn the school around financially and he resigned in 1937. J.W. Haywood succeeded Paustin, becoming the college's first black president and managing the school for seven years.
In 1944, Miller W. Boyd, an Abingdon, Virginia native, became the first Morristown College alumnus to be president of the institution. He sought funding for the school by establishing relationships with Morristown's business community, instituting financial support from alumni, and gaining support from the Holston Conference. Through his efforts, enrollment rose to 435 (the largest in the school's history), the college's finances improved, and relations with the community were further raised.
Boyd elevated the college to levels not seen since Dr. Hill's tenure. When some thought the college was headed toward demise, Boyd thought otherwise, working tirelessly to promote spirit and loyalty among the students and staff. In the fall of 1952, Boyd died and his wife, Mary Whitten, served as interim president for the remainder of the year. H.L. Dickason, former president of Bluefield State College, succeeded Whitten in 1953 until his death in 1957.  Other presidents included Dr. Leonard Haynes, Jr., Dr. Elmer P. Gibson, Dr. Raymond E. White, and Dr. Charles Wade.
Morristown College