In a meeting on June 30, the Emmanuel University Board of Trustees named Rev. Gregory K. Hearn as the 10th president of Emmanuel University.
Earlier this year, President Ron White, Emmanuel’s ninth president, announced his retirement with the intention of remaining in office until a new president was selected through the presidential search process. However, on May 18 of this year, President White accelerated his retirement and voluntarily resigned due to health concerns. At that time, Rev. Hearn assumed leadership of the college as interim CEO.
On June 20, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to suspend the presidential search process, including further action by the Presidential Search Committee and the search committee consultant, until further notice. Rev. Hearn was named the CEO of the College and asked to continue implementation of the Senior Leadership Team’s “Summary Plan for Stability, Sustainability, and Growth” presented during the June 20 meeting.
The June 30 action changed Rev. Hearn’s title to President. Board of Trustees Chairman, David Roberson, in explaining the Board’s actions, stated, “During the past month, Rev. Hearn has led his senior leadership team in restructuring Emmanuel financially and setting a course for increasing the focus on our mission to, first and foremost, affect students spiritually.”
The Board felt that although the Presidential Search Committee was well into a nationwide search, there was no reason to interrupt the tremendous progress of the last month or the related plans for setting a strong course for the future. Our best leader was already in place. Congratulations, Mr. Hearn on becoming Emmanuel’s tenth president.
Earlier this week, Emmanuel announced its official transition to University, a move that will allow the institution to continue to grow its graduate degree program offerings.
Continue to pray for President Hearn, as well as President Emeritus White. May God “continue” to be with Us.”
