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Roberts Wesleyan taps higher education strategist as next president
Roberts Wesleyan taps higher education strategist as next president
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Roberts Wesleyan University has named higher education strategist and former George Fox University leader Nicholas J. Willis, Ph.D., as its next president, effective July 1.
He succeeds Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr., who left the institution in January after serving since 2023 as the university’s 12th president and the fourth president of Northeastern Seminary.
Willis was selected following a national search led by a presidential search committee and shaped by engagement from the Roberts community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees.
“Dr. Willis is a thoughtful and Christ-centered leader with a deep commitment to academic excellence and the mission of Roberts Wesleyan University,” said Debbie Schmidt, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Throughout the search process, it became clear that his vision, experience, and heart for Christian higher education uniquely positioned him to lead Roberts into its next chapter.”
Willis brings more than 20 years of experience in Christian higher education, institutional strategy and organizational transformation.
Most recently, he served as a partner and consultant with TG Three, LLC, where he advised presidents, boards and senior leadership teams at more than 30 Christian colleges and universities on enrollment strategy, financial sustainability and institutional mission alignment.
He previously served as a tenured professor of mathematics and faculty senate president at George Fox University, where he also held key academic leadership roles.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next president of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary,” Willis said. “I am eager to listen, learn and build alongside this community in the days ahead.”
The university will share additional opportunities in the coming weeks for the Roberts community and the public to engage with Willis as he begins his presidency.
[email protected] / (585) 653-4021
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