July 30, 2009
The Olivet University Board of Trustees announced today that Dr. David Randolph will conclude his successful three year term as University President on July 31, 2009 to return to fulltime teaching and writing. Academic Dean Dr. William Wagner will succeed him as president on August 1.
Dr. Wagner’s selection was made official by a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees July 7. Dr. Randolph was appointed as Distinguished Professor of Theology, completing a process that started months ago with the Board of Trustees to make a smooth transition to Olivet’s next president.
“Dr. Randolph has provided exemplary leadership in the model of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Andrew Lin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “His vision and guidance helped shape a significant period of development during our University's history. We thank him for his service to our University and pray for him as he continues his role as a teacher and mentor to our students."
“Dr. Randolph has provided exemplary leadership in the model of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Andrew Lin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “His vision and guidance helped shape a significant period of development during our University's history. We thank him for his service to our University and pray for him as he continues his role as a teacher and mentor to our students."
"The last three years have been some of the most rewarding of my professional life, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving Olivet as its president," Dr. Randolph said. "Dr. Wagner has my full support and I am convinced that God has great things in store for us."
With the announcement of the Board's decision, Dr. Wagner thanked the Board and Dr. Randolph for the opportunity to lead Olivet University and their ongoing counsel.
"I have really enjoyed working with Dr. Randolph during these years of amazing growth for the University," said Dr. Wagner. "Olivet University is an exciting place that’s growing into a truly world class Christian institution. I look forward to serving Jesus Christ and building our University together in this new role.”
"Dr. William Wagner has been one of the University's most effective and longest serving leaders,” Rev. Lin continued. “He has the Board's full support in carrying out his role as President. We believe that God will guide the University to make great developments in the coming years under his leadership."
Dr. David James Randolph began his service at Olivet University as a teaching professor in the areas of art and theology. His extensive background as an administrator, professor, writer, and church pastor, along with his scholarly commitments to exploring the intersection between Christian mission and visual media, positioned him to advance the University's mission to reach the "network generation" as president.
Dr. Randolph's tenure was marked by a significant number of important developments at the University. A landmark success during Dr. Randolph's presidency was the achievement of accredited status from the Association of Biblical Higher Education. Another development was the strengthening of academic standards through a process of comprehensive program assessment. In addition, the implementation of a thoughtful strategic planning process guided the University to meeting goals such as increased enrollment, expanded campus facilities, and greatly enhanced learning resources.
Dr. Randolph, who decided to conclude his term in order to return to fulltime teaching and writing, will continue to serve the University as Distinguished Professor of Theology. His book, "The Renewal of Preaching in the Twenty-first Century, Second Edition" will be published this fall by Wipf and Stock.
Incoming President Dr. William Wagner has served Olivet University since 2004, first as a professor and Dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary (OTCS), and more recently as the University's Academic Dean.
Dr. Wagner is a renowned mission strategist, a career missionary, and a small church pastor. He has extensive experience in administration. In 2003, he was elected as the second-vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest protestant denomination in the United States. Prior to his service at Olivet, he served as a longtime professor of missions at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Wagner received his Doctor of Missiology degree from Fuller Theological Seminar in 1977 and his Doctor of Theology degree from the University of South Africa in 1990. He also holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico.
A presidential installation ceremony for Dr. Wagner will be held during the University's Fall Convocation on September 8 in San Francisco.
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