Schools

Trinity International University President Announces Departure

Beginning July 1, Dr. Craig Williford will go on sabbatical through the end of his contract date of June 30, 2014. He has elected not to renew his contract in order to explore new opportunities in Colorado.

Dr. Craig Williford announced that he will not renew his five-year contract as president of Trinity International University, which ends June 30, 2014.

“I love Trinity and am grateful for my time here," he said.

Starting July 1, 2013, Dr. Williford will be on sabbatical throughout the 2013–2014 academic year. He and his wife Carolyn plan to move closer to family in Colorado, while seeking out new opportunities for ministry there.

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“The vision I’ve promoted these past four years, I believe, has poised Trinity for an exciting future,” said Williford. “And that vision doesn’t hinge on the presence of one person. I’m praying that Trinity’s new leader will be ready to build upon the progress and strong foundation we’ve laid down.”

Williford also said that he looks forward to working with board chairman Bob Kleinschmidt on a smooth executive transition.

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“Trinity has greatly benefited under Dr. Williford’s headship,” said Kleinschmidt. “We deeply appreciate his service and dedication to its mission. The leadership of Trinity, including the Board of Regents, have approved much of President Williford’s vision on multiple levels—including the university’s strategic plan—and are committed to continuing the good work it already has produced.”

Under Dr. Williford’s leadership, TIU witnessed significant recalibration and vision-casting revolving around the current challenges facing Christian private higher education. Among them were the formation and approval of a university-wide strategic plan, complete with concrete five-year goals that seek to drive Trinity’s mission forward. The community is just now beginning to see many initiatives being formulated from across the university that have come as a result of enacting this plan.

These past four years have seen significant capital projects completed (each classroom was renovated, including the library, complete with several technological upgrades) as well as record-breaking donations, including the largest single gift in Trinity’s history ($30 million).

In 2010, Trinity completed its largest and most successful capital campaign ever, raising more than $21 million. The centerpiece of the campaign was the construction of the Gregory L. Waybright Student Life Center. TIU also received its re-accreditation from both the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools that year.

Over the past two years, five fully endowed chairs have been added to the roster, along with several key faculty appointments. A student success center and the Jonathan Edwards Center at TEDS were launched, as well as a few academic programs that better position Trinity as a first choice among prospective students. Among those are the graphic design major, the MDiv with Pre-Seminary Honors program and the Master of Education.

Several partnerships, both local and abroad, have also been or are being formed, most notably the Oikonomia Network, which focuses on projects, activities, and curriculum development initiatives centered on furthering the integration of work, economics, discipleship, and the local church.

To keep updated on the developments of this presidential transition, visit tiu.edu/president.

Information provided by Trinity International University


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