Dr. Craig Williford Named President

 Dr. Craig Williford (PhD ’95) was named President of Trinity International University (TIU) by a vote at the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) Leadership Conference in Eden Prairie, Minnesota on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The TIU community welcomes President Williford, and his wife Carolyn, as they help lead the university in educating men and women for faithful participation in God’s redemptive work in the world.

"After a prayerful and thorough search, we know that God has brought us his person in his timing to be the next President of Trinity International University," remarks Presidential Search Committee Chairman Chuck Thor. "Dr. Williford brings a strong commitment to Christ and the Kingdom of God, along with unusual leadership talents, and an impressive track record of leadership in the local church and in Christian higher education."

"Dr. Williford combines an engaging personality with proven success in higher education spiritual leadership, growth, and fund-raising," comments Bob Kleinschmidt, chairman of the university's Board of Regents. "In his eight years at Denver Seminary, God used him in a mighty way to turn the school around and put it on a solid financial footing. In the very difficult economic times that we, and all in our present world, are facing, such strong and experienced leadership is more important than ever. Dr. Williford has a high regard and enthusiasm for Trinity and its potential, borne of both his past studies here and his subsequent involvement in the world of Christian higher education and the local church."

Dr. Williford began serving as acting president of the university on April 1, 2009, after a unanimous recommendation from Trinity's Board of Regents and approval by the EFCA Board of Directors. An ordained minister of the EFCA, Dr. and Mrs. Williford have been warmly welcomed on campus by students, faculty, and staff, and look with great anticipation to the future of Trinity International University.

"Carolyn and I are humbled and pleased to have the privilege of serving as the presidential couple here at Trinity International University,” said Dr. Williford. “We express our sincere thanks to the Board of Regents and the EFCA for determining that God has called us to this role."

Dr. and Mrs. Williford humbly ask the Trinity community to join them in prayer, "We covet your prayers that God will empower us for this responsibility and mobilize Trinity to continue to significantly influence the kingdom of God for His glory through our alumni. We look forward to meeting and working with the entire Trinity family."

Trinity has more than 2,900 students from 45 countries and throughout the United States. TIU exists to educate men and women for faithful participation in God’s redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian fidelity, and lifelong learning.