Milligan University Names New President
The Christian liberal arts university says it’s in ‘the strongest position it has ever been.’
Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee, announced its selection of a new president.
Stephen Waers, who is currently the chief academic officer and chief information officer at Point University in Georgia, will serve as the 16th president of Milligan starting August 1.
Waers will succeed Bill Greer, who will retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year and transition into the role of chancellor for Milligan.
“We have full confidence Dr. Waers has the ability to carry on our rich traditions and standard of excellence while finding innovative ways for our beloved university to thrive in the years to come,” Board Chair Richard Phillips said in a press release.
Waers earned a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan and a doctorate in historical theology from Marquette University.
“I am cognizant of the fact that the history, tradition, and excellence are rooted most deeply in Milligan’s faithfulness to Christ and determined adherence to its Christ-centered mission of educating men and women to be servant-leaders,” Waers said of the university.
Access to MinistryWatch content is free. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. To make a donation, click here.
He also praised Greer for his leadership, saying the university is in “the strongest position it has ever been,” according to the press release. During Greer’s 13-year tenure, Milligan added several programs, including engineering and physician’s assistant studies, and achieved record enrollment. The school also transitioned from Milligan College to Milligan University under his leadership, and saw its endowment triple.
The Christian liberal arts university has a student body of about 1,200, and was founded in 1866 to train leaders for the churches and communities of Appalachia.
It was named for one of the founder’s biblical studies professors, Robert Milligan. “Professor Milligan taught his students that learning should be used to develop the potential of Christian men and women to serve Christ and the world,” the website states.
Today Milligan’s mission remains much the same: “to honor God by educating men and women to be servant-leaders.”
Main photo: Photo courtesy of Milligan University
TO OUR READERS: Do you have a story idea, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? Please email us: [email protected]
