Former Trinity President Kenneth Meyer dies at age 83
Deerfield, Ill. - Kenneth M. Meyer, the 11th president of what is now Trinity International University, died Oct. 11 in Plymouth, Minn. He was 83.
A Chicago native, Meyer earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1956 from what was then known as Trinity Seminary and Bible College. The school later became Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary.
Meyer was pastor of First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, Ill. when appointed temporary interim president of TEDS in 1974. A year later, he stepped down from his pastoral position and was elected to his first three-year term as president of TEDS. He is credited with stabilizing the institution's finances and producing balanced budgets for five consecutive years amid a poor national economy.
At the start of his tenure TEDS and Trinity College had been separated. In 1984, Meyer assumed the additional role of president at the college. He set forth a plan to reunite the college and the divinity school that led to the creation of Trinity International University.
Judy Tetour, who served as his first executive assistant, says Meyer's administrative expertise was much needed in Deerfield.
"President Meyer not only kept TEDS in the black all the years he was president, but when the College was in desperate need, he became president of that institution as well, laying the groundwork for what is now TIU," said Tetour, who worked with Meyer from 1974-1980. "The fact that we remain (as an institution) is in large part due to his exemplary efforts."
During his tenure, Trinity began its work in South Florida with the 1993 acquisition of the former Miami Christian College. Today, Trinity operates campuses in Dade and Broward counties.
After leaving Trinity, Meyer continued active, full-time service for causes in which he deeply believed.
With Carol, his wife of more than 62 years, Meyer was instrumental in the early development of Torch Trinity Graduate University in Seoul, South Korea. He served as president there from 2001-2005. The institution offers six theological degree programs, with instruction in Korean and English.
Carol and Kenneth Meyer were extensive world travelers, and family members say the couple visited 101 countries. Much of their travel focused on Christian higher education work or a charity called Food for the Hungry, an effort the Meyer family has supported for many years. Carol Meyer passed away on Easter Sunday of this year at the age of 83.
"We are grateful to God for the life and legacy of Ken Meyer, who was one of the most significant and entrepreneurial leaders in Trinity's history," President David S. Dockery said. "President Meyer provided capable guidance for Trinity during some of the institution's best days. He has been a marvelous cheerleader for our work in recent years and I am deeply grateful that I had the privilege to know him and to learn from him."
Meyer is survived by sons Keith and Kevin, a daughter Caryn Magnuson, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
"The Trinity community joins with me in offering our prayers and Christian sympathy for the Meyer family at this time," Dockery said.
A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the A.T. Olson Chapel on the Trinity campus.
Memorials can be sent to Trinity International University, 2065 Half Day Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 or given online. They can also be sent to Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul, South Korea.