Judson University names interim President
An educator with decades of leadership experience has been selected as the interim president of Judson University for the 2012-2013 academic year.
The university board of directors this week approved William Clark Crothers to serve as interim president of the evangelical university in Elgin beginning July 1. Current Judson President Jerry Cain will retire June 30 after more than 20 years at the helm.
“I am thrilled to partner with the people I have met at Judson — people of Christian conviction, academic quality, and commitment to service,” Crothers said in a prepared statement. “It is humbling to be chosen to continue the outstanding work of President Jerry Cain while the university seeks a new permanent President. With God’s guidance and the support of the Judson community, the university will continue to advance in this transition year.”
Crothers served as president of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y., from 1981 to 2002. During Crothers’ tenure, enrollment at the college more than tripled, the college balanced its budget, and endowment contributions grew substantially. Furthermore, graduate courses were introduced, including the Northeastern Seminary.
In addition to his 21 years at Roberts Wesleyan, Crothers’ held leadership positions at universities across the Midwest, including as executive director of university planning at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, executive vice president at Bethel College in Indiana, interim president at Asbury University in Kentucky, and as an officer on the board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
“We are deeply grateful to have Dr. Crothers at Judson,” Judson Board Chair Carol Thompson said. “He brings a lifetime of experience and wisdom, and we are confident he will make significant contributions to the university during this transition year.”
Judson spokeswoman Mary Dulabaum said the search for a permanent president is ongoing. The university has employed an international consultancy firm to assist in the search.