Taylor University recently announced that President D. Michael Lindsay appointed three new members to the Board of Trustees after three former trustees completed their terms.
These new trustees came from industry and the clergy and hope to use their unique knowledge and experience to improve the university.
“(The Board of Trustees) are the governing body of any institution of higher education and have wide-ranging responsibilities,” Will Hagen, vice president for strategy and chief of staff, said. “They are the final authority for the work of the University and have responsibility for safeguarding and advancing the mission of the institution.”
The three new trustees come from vastly different backgrounds.
Jana Murphy (‘96) is the senior vice president of corporate affairs at Saab. She has experience in leadership positions within various branches of the federal government, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation.
Luther Whitfield serves as senior pastor at New Covenant Worship Center in Fort Wayne and formerly served as the national city life director for Youth For Christ USA.
Bob Wright serves as president and CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works and has years of experience in leadership at other major restaurant chains, including Wendy’s and Domino’s Pizza.
Despite these differences, all three of the new trustees share one thing in common: a connection to Taylor. They’re all either Taylor alumni or parents, just like every other member of the Board of Trustees, which isn’t a requirement for the position.
“Anyone can nominate someone to be a trustee, but nominees are vetted by the Committee on Trustees — a subcommittee of the Board that considers possible candidates and then works to evaluate their candidacy,” Hagen said. “The Committee on Trustees works to make sure the Board has appropriate representation across a variety of professional fields but also that there is strong representation from alumni and Taylor parents.”
Most of the board’s work takes place through committees, with different committees focusing on specific matters. For example, the Campus Life Committee oversees the Student Development office and TSO, working with people within those departments to address concerns.
While the new trustees will not affect Taylor students directly, Hagen said the board’s main focus as of late has been expanding Taylor’s academic offerings. This includes the soon-to-be-launched nursing program offered in conjunction with Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, as well as the recent expansion of the university’s award-winning film and media arts program through the ongoing construction of the Horne Academic Center. According to Hagen, these will remain key focuses moving forward.
Hagen said he is excited for this new season with new faces on the board and requests prayers from the Taylor community.
“I’m thrilled by the strength of these new trustees and for all they will bring to the Taylor community through their service,” Hagen said. “The board is always grateful for prayers for wisdom as they seek to steward the mission of the University well and for the Lord’s continued providence for this incredible institution.”
