The board of governors of Conrad Grebel University College announced that president Susan Schultz Huxman has accepted the call to become the president of Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in Harrisonburg, Va.
“It is not easy for me to consider leaving Grebel—a school that I love and that is thriving. But this invitation to serve EMU, an exceptionally innovative and healthy Mennonite institution back in the States, is an attractive match, professionally and personally, both for my husband Jesse and me.”
“We are obviously saddened by this news which comes early in Susan’s second term as Grebel president,” said board chair Geraldine Balzer. “However, we understand the possibilities that EMU offers her. Susan is a strong believer in Mennonite education, and the opportunity to be president of an independent Mennonite university will offer her new challenges.”
Since Schultz Huxman came to Grebel from Wichita State University in 2011, Grebel completed a successful capital campaign to expand its academic facilities and partnered with Mennonite Savings and Credit Union to open the new Centre for Peace Advancement. During this time there were nine faculty searches to replace retiring faculty, and new positions were added. Grebel also celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“I am so very grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity to serve Conrad Grebel in a pivotal period in its history and to help advance its distinctive and attractive mission ‘to seek wisdom, nurture faith, and pursue peace in service to church and society,’” said Schultz Huxman. “Together, we have accomplished some extraordinary changes in this half-decade.”
“As a gifted communicator, Schultz Huxman has served a key role at this point in our history, and Grebel is well-positioned to move forward,” said Fred Redekop, former board chair. “The board has actively worked with President Schultz Huxman, along with faculty and staff, to create a strategic visioning plan. ‘Extending the Grebel Table’ will provide direction for the college beyond 2020. We have been privileged to have Susan work alongside us and lead the college as we continue to offer an Anabaptist perspective on post-secondary education.”
EMU, the largest Mennonite liberal arts university in North America, will celebrate its centennial in 2017-18. Schultz Huxman will begin her role as its ninth president on January 1, 2017.
On April 28 the Grebel board announced the appointment of Jim Pankratz as interim president. Pankratz served as Grebel’s dean from 2006 until his retirement in 2014. See more here.
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