Cedarville University is a vibrant Christ-centered university that is poised for significant growth and progress. Cedarville’s next President must possess the gifts and graces required to provide authentic biblically based leadership. One well-known writer on leadership stresses: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Cedarville University desires a leader who can help the University fulfill God’s plan for Cedarville.
Acts 6:3 lists the qualifications for Christian leadership. This passage of Scripture provides three criteria for executive leadership:
- A good reputation
- Practical wisdom
- A Spirit-filled life
A good reputation reveals character that has stood the test of time. Practical wisdom demonstrates the competency to manage the details of an organization without losing sight of the larger vision. A Spirit-filled life provides witness to the power and passion of a life that gives evidence of the fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These attributes of Christian leadership are essential for Cedarville’s next President.
Leadership
Leadership is the overarching attribute Cedarville University seeks in its next President. Spiritual Leadership is an absolute requisite. Cedarville’s next President must be an individual who gives clear and strong evidence of spiritual leadership in his or her personal and professional life. Evidence of successful Organizational Leadership is also an absolute requirement. Strategic Leadership experience in leading and guiding an organization toward strategic objectives based on strong vision casting will be imperative to the success of Cedarville’s next President.
Doctrinal Accord
Cedarville University remains steadfastly committed to its Doctrinal Statement, and its next President must be in full accord with, completely embrace, and be an articulate advocate for Cedarville’s Doctrinal Statement.
Public Persona
Cedarville’s next President will be expected to be the face of the University. The President will expand Cedarville’s influence, as well as strengthen existing relationships, with theologically aligned congregations, fellowships, church associations, and Christian schools through speaking engagements. Therefore, strong writing and speaking skills are preferred as well as a winsome public presence.
Fundraising
Increasingly, university presidents have become the primary fundraiser for their institutions and a significant commitment of time to fundraising is required. As such, a successful understanding of the biblical principles of fiscal stewardship and fundraising, as well as a successful record of fundraising, are highly preferred as characteristics for Cedarville’s next President.
Academic Background
While strong and successful previous experience in higher education is highly valued, Cedarville is open to candidates coming from other professions including business, pastoral ministry, church leadership, and other nonprofit sectors. As such, a doctoral degree is preferred but not required.