Dean for the Cornerstone Theological Seminary and School of Ministry

Dean of the Cornerstone Theological Seminary and School of Ministry

Founded in 1941, Cornerstone University is a private, Christ-centered institution of higher education committed to preparing students to influence the world for Christ through academic excellence and spiritual formation. Rooted in a biblical worldview, Cornerstone integrates faith and learning across all disciplines, equipping graduates to lead with wisdom, integrity and purpose in a rapidly changing global society.

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan—one of the Midwest's most vibrant and economically dynamic regions—Cornerstone serves a diverse student body through traditional undergraduate programs, graduate studies and adult and professional education. The University also delivers flexible online offerings that expand access for learners balancing education with career and family responsibilities.

Cornerstone University enrolls approximately 2,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. The University is organized into several academic units, including the School of Health, Science & Technology, the School of Business & Innovation, the School of Education & Human Services, the School of Ministry, Media & the Arts, and Cornerstone Theological Seminary. Across these schools, students pursue a wide range of degree programs designed to prepare them for meaningful vocations and lifelong service.

The University's mission—to empower men and women to excel as influencers in our world for Jesus Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central—guides all aspects of institutional life. This mission is supported by core values that emphasize Christ-centeredness, academic rigor, innovation and a deep commitment to student development.

Cornerstone is known for its relational, student-centered environment, where faculty invest deeply in mentoring and teaching. Experiential learning—such as internships, service-learning opportunities and global engagement experiences—ensure that students are well-prepared for both professional success and faithful leadership.

Cornerstone Theological Seminary, a key part of the University, provides graduate-level theological education and leadership development for ministry contexts around the world. Together with the University's other schools, it contributes to a holistic educational ecosystem that integrates intellectual growth, spiritual formation and professional preparation.

Cornerstone continues to build on its legacy through strategic initiatives focused on program innovation, enrollment growth, student success and expanded community partnerships. With a strong foundation in its historic mission and a forward-looking vision, the University remains dedicated to developing graduates who are equipped to serve, lead and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

The Dean of the Cornerstone Theological Seminary graduate programs and School of Ministry undergraduate programs will drive the strategy and implementation for the future of the seminary and ministry programs based on market research and opportunity gaps to include both on campus and innovative online alternatives. The Dean will embody, model, and serve as the chief spiritual, intellectual/academic leader of the school.

The Dean will help to expand the reach of the institution through the cultivation of professional contacts and will oversee curriculum and instruction for majors, minors, certificates, and courses in the Schools. The Dean will work with internal university departments and the VPA's Office to support both online and Grand Rapids campus programming for the schools. The Dean will aid in handling student and faculty issues as they arise and coordinating activity among the various schools.

The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

Embody, uphold, and model the CU Confession, and the CU Christian World View Statement, Academic Vision Statement, and Beautiful Christian Community Statement and ensure that these are integrated in sophisticated and market-leading ways in how the school: operates,…