USA (MNN) — Cornerstone University has announced its new chief. Dr. Joseph Stowell is succeeding Dr. Rex Rogers as president next week.
Stowell has a long tradition of Bible teaching, best known for his web-based ministry, Strength for the Journey. "To think that we could have a part in framing and forming and preparing the next generation to be successful in their world and their careers, but also to take the light of Jesus Christ, demands that we understand how rapidly this world is changing, and continue to flex and flux the whole aspect of the academy to meet those needs. I think that's a very big challenge."
Stowell was president of Moody Bible Institute for 18 years before becoming a teaching pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel, in the Chicago area.
In coming to Cornerstone, his main tasks will be promoting the university and raising its profile and endowment in the state and nation. It's not all about the finance of the institution. Stowell explains that a successful leader in this position needs to know what needs to change and drive that change. He must also balance that with knowing what needs to remains the same, and to protect that.
No stranger to that odd combination, he's a ministry partner with RBC Ministries, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based organization that uses radio, television and Web-based programs to teach the Bible. He also serves on the board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Of the decision to return to the academic world, he explains, "I had thought that season of my life was over." However, a visit to a college made him realize how much he missed being around students. He was already beginning to reconsider, when Cornerstone contacted him and asked him if he would be interested in being the president or interim president.
He says, "I've just been seeing God beginning to prepare me to come back into college work and college ministry and to work with these wonderful students and faculty and staff here. Martie and I could not be more excited about the prospect of serving Christ here."
Stowell will start Feb. 1, and Rogers will remain until May.
