LCU announces search for new president
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[October 16, 2013]
Dr. Keith H. Ray, president of
Lincoln Christian University, announced in a letter to the board of
trustees his intent to retire from higher education in May 2014.
While he will continue his work as LCU president through the end of
May, steps are in motion to begin the search for his successor. In his letter, Ray wrote: "My love for Christ's mission, the role of
education, and the potential of students has fueled my ministry
these many years. However, the time has come to announce my
retirement from higher education at LCU." |
Ray further explained:
"This comes after a long period of soul searching, prayer, and
listening to the wise counsel of a few friends. I have been blessed
to work alongside extraordinary servants of God throughout my
tenure. The friendships and professional relationships developed
over these many years have become a treasure to me."
In a timely communication to employees, Dr. Gene Harker, chair of
the board of trustees, announced that "the search for his successor
is already up and running."
The board of trustees will serve as
the search team, taking the following steps over the next several
days:
-
Building an
advisory team.
-
Identifying
executive search organizations.
-
Putting together an
analysis of the schools.
-
Developing a candidate profile.
Any search comments or questions may be directed to Harker at
LCUsearch2014@gmail.com.
For frequent updates, follow the search on Twitter:
@LCUsearch.
In a letter to the LCU community about Ray's announcement, Harker
said: "We are grateful for his 16 years of exemplary service to LCU.
He has faithfully honored God in his efforts and consistently worked
to advance the Kingdom in his relentless pursuit of excellence."
Keith H. Ray, D.Min, is a graduate of Lincoln Community High
School, Lincoln Christian University's School of Undergraduate
Studies and Seminary. He began his administrative career in higher
education as dean of students at Dallas Christian College in 1990
and later served there as president for four years. On July 1, 1998,
he moved back to Lincoln to begin his presidency at LCU. When he
retires in May, he will have completed 16 years as president at
Lincoln Christian University.
In his time as LCU president, Dr. Ray
has been at the helm for these milestones:
-
Renaming the
institution Lincoln Christian University in 2009.
-
Establishing the Hargrove School of
Adult & Graduate Studies, which began as the LincUp program in
2005.
-
Creating the China
Institute to handle all things Chinese.
-
Navigating the
2008 U.S. economic recession.
[to top of second column] |
-
Receiving
recognition by the Chronicle for Higher Education in 2010 and
2013 as a "Great College to Work For."
-
Receiving
recognition in 2009 and 2011 as a "Best Christian Workplace."
-
Reducing
operational debt by more than 50 percent, increasing gift income
by 85 percent and almost tripling LCU's endowment.
-
Leading the
largest campus renovation and expansion in the school's history,
adding a new maintenance facility, athletic center and women's
residence hall.
-
Calling LCU's
first international and minority faculty members, first female
dean, and first female administrator.
-
Expanding degree
offering to five extension sites in three states.
-
Reaffirming
accreditation from HLC, ATS and ABHE.
-
Receiving the
2006-07 Enrollment Growth Award from Christianity Today.
-
Initiating affiliate membership with
the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities.
Ray will be moving to St. Louis to begin a
new career in senior health care. On July 1, 2014, he will join the
senior vice president team with Christian Homes Inc. His role will
be in leadership development and external relations.
___
Established in Lincoln in 1944, LCU has as its mission to equip
Christians to serve and lead in the church, the workplace and the
world. In its 70-year history, Lincoln Christian alumni have gone on
to serve in every one of the 50 states and in more than 160
countries worldwide. Today, LCU offers a variety of degree programs
for undergraduates, graduates and seminary students. Classes are
offered on campus, at four extension sites in three states and
online around the world. To learn more, visit
www.lincolnchristian.edu.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln Christian University] |