The Master’s University appointed John Stead Interim President on Monday, but the move will not take effect until June 28, when current president John MacArthur assumes the role of chancellor.
For 33 years, MacArthur has served as president of The Master’s University and Seminary, but it was announced in October — only a few months after the school was placed on probation — that he would transition to the position of chancellor of the university and president of the seminary.
As chancellor, MacArthur is expected to provide spiritual guidance and mentorship with the campus community, foster trust with stakeholders and engage with students through chapel and campus events, according to the university’s website.
Accreditation officials mandated in their most recent action letter that the institution must conduct a national search for a new president prior to Dec. 31, 2019, but the school’s president responded by saying he will continue to serve as president as long as the board desires.
On Monday, MacArthur said there couldn’t be a better choice than Stead.
“He’s been a part of Master’s University for 49 years and he is beloved by all our campus community. He has a vast knowledge and great experience as an educator and he understands the mission, theology and objectives of the university,” MacArthur said.
“I count it a great privilege to have the opportunity to bridge the period between the retirement of our president — who has faithfully filled this position for 34 years — and the inauguration of a new president,” Stead said in a news release posted to the school’s website Tuesday. “This is an extremely rare event, as TMU has only had two presidents for over the past 60 years.
“I have spent the last 49 years as a professor, administrator, and counselor at Master’s,” Stead added. “More than anything else my heart beats for this institution. Outside my love for the Lord, my wife and my family, the wellbeing and testimony of The Master’s community has consumed my life.”
The appointee said his goal is to give faculty and staff the support and encouragement they deserve, “so they can continue to give the students the finest Christ-centered education available,” according to the news release.
Stead has served on the faculty at Master’s since 1970 and served as Vice President of Academic Affairs from 1979 to 1995. He has also been heavily involved with issues concerning the college’s accreditation and the expansion of the academic program over the last three decades, the news release stated.
“As I look forward to this period of transition, I am confident we as a community of students, faculty, and staff will continue to mature in mind and spirit in the fullness of our Savior, Christ our Lord,” Stead said. “It is my prayer that when this transition ends with the inauguration of a new president, that we all can say we have honored Christ.”
