The Next Project?

A germ of an idea involving new Christian University presidents

It’s been six weeks since The Fearless Christian University hit the streets. So far, I’ve been extremely happy with the response. Reviews and blogs have been encouraging. Podcasts have been engaging. Journalistic interviews have asked great questions. It’s been over a year since I submitted the manuscript and nearly nine months since page proofs were done, so I’m getting antsy.

I’m often asked “What’s next”? My flippant response is usually, “Ask me in 2035”. My first book was published by Wipf and Stock in February of 2014 and FCU came out in February 2025. So that’s my facetious once-a-decade response.

But, seriously, I’ve been thinking about it. What would be the proper follow-up to FCU? Two ideas fell by the wayside because they were too complicated methodologically. I had thought about a project on trustees, but didn’t have real clarity on how to do it. I mentioned in a recent SubStack about an interest in studying Christian University alums who were unwilling to send their kids to their alma mater, but got hung up on how to easily identify such a population.

There is, however, a topic that has been bubbling around in the back of my brain. The seeds were planted when I was talking to faculty at Denver Seminary. We were discussing how my model for enhanced collaboration between trustees, administration, and faculty required rethinking what was described as the “hour glass” model of leadership. The president is the go-between between various sectors.

Yesterday, I had a delightful conversation with a doctoral student in higher education examining Christian universities. I was a subject for her research and did a ninety minute interview. Toward the end of the conversation, we were pondering a generational transition in Christian University presidents and whether newer presidents would be less likely to follow a culture war script.

After the call, I started looking into the question of new presidents. I don’t know if this year is unique for some reason, but a very cursory examination showed a dozen presidential transitions in CCCU institutions. Seven presidents began their terms during this academic year.¹ An additional five have searches underway.² I’m sure I’ll find more when I dig in deeper

This will be a very important search

A couple of the new presidents were already serving their institution in some capacity. Others were shifting from a cabinet role in another institution. One came from outside higher ed.

So here’s my idea. I would love to begin a project that interviews these new presidents a minimum of once a semester for three years. It would allow me to explore many of the tensions I address in FCU. It would also give me a window on how contemporary cultural changes impact the institutions and contrast between different denominational patterns or presidential leadership priorities. I’d love to explore the state of relations between the president, board, faculty, and students.

I don’t know what challenges might exist in trying to pull this off. What I do know is that fearless leadership will be required of these newly hatched presidents.

The final chapter of The Fearless Christian University tells an imagined story of two Christian university presidents who are determined to shift the orientation of their institutions toward fearlessness. I’d love the chance to explore what that might look like in real life.

Please leave your reactions to this potential project in the comments below. And if there are transitions in addition to the twelve I’ve identified, let me know.

1. Colorado Christian, Huntington, Louisiana Christian, Ohio Christian, Point Loma Nazarene, Trinity Western

2. Anderson (IN), Bethel (IN), Lee, Messiah, MidAmerica Nazarene