Judson U. names William Clark Crothers as incoming interim president
(Elgin, IL May 23, 2012) The Board of Trustees of Judson University is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. William Clark Crothers as Judson University's Interim President for the next academic year. Dr. Crothers will assume this position on July 1.
"I am thrilled to partner with the people I have met at Judson--people of Christian conviction, academic quality, and commitment to service," commented Dr. Crothers. "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."
Dr. Crothers served as president of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y., from 1981 until 2002. He facilitated a renaissance at the school, more than tripling enrollment, expanding facilities, increasing recognition for academic quality, balancing the budget and seeing substantial growth in the college's endowment. In addition, graduate level programs were introduced, including the establishment of Northeastern Seminary.
Dr. Crothers was born, raised and educated in Michigan. He earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan-Flint College, an M.B.A. in Finance from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Michigan State University.
In addition to serving as President of Roberts Wesleyan College for 21 years, Dr. Crothers has held positions of leadership including Executive Director of University Planning at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Executive Vice President at Bethel College in Indiana, served as Interim President of Asbury University in Kentucky, and has served as an officer on the board of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Dr. Crothers is also a board member of the Free Methodist Foundation and Guidestream Financial. He has also served on several for-profit boards in a variety of industries.
Dr. Crothers and his wife, Rilla (Vannest) Crothers, a registered nurse, have three married daughters and several grandchildren. They currently reside in Davison, Mich., where Dr. Crothers serves as the managing partner of Presidential Leadership Associates, a consulting firm focused on non-profit organizations.
"We are deeply grateful to have Dr. Crothers at Judson," says Judson Board Chair Carol Thompson. "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 University was founded in Elgin nearly 50 years ago and is currently home to students from more than 30 states and 25 countries. From its humble beginnings on a 19-acre private estate, Judson has expanded to become a beautiful 90-acre campus nestled in the Fox River Valley.
Today, Judson is one of only two evangelical Christian colleges or universities to offer a fully-accredited graduate program in architecture and is also quickly gaining a reputation as an evangelical, "green" university. The new 88,000 square foot Harm A. Weber Academic Center, which is home to the library and School of Art, Design and Architecture, is a LEED Gold certified building and one of the most energy-efficient buildings of its kind in North America.
Judson offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts with more than 60 majors/minors and Master of Architecture, Education, Literacy and Organizational Leadership. Judson also offers accelerated (evening) bachelor degrees, certificates and individual courses for adults seeking to improve their professional credentials both in Elgin and in Rockford.