Spring Arbor University President Charles H. Webb today named Brent Ellis as the new vice president for advancement and president of the Spring Arbor University Foundation, effective Nov. 1, 2009. As a member of the president’s executive team, Ellis will be responsible for leading all units within university advancement, including development, alumni relations, annual giving, planned giving, Spring Arbor University radio, and corporate, external and foundation relations.
Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Ellis joined the University in June as special assistant to the president. In that capacity, he served as a major gift officer in the Office of University Advancement, and as director of the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Brent take on this important position. He understands higher education both as an educator and as a development officer,” says Webb. “He has a clear commitment to expanding the reach and influence of Spring Arbor University.”
Ellis holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Indiana University, a master’s in biblical studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, a master’s in ministry from Bethel College in Indiana, and a bachelor’s in pastoral ministry from Greenville College.
“In his short tenure with the University, he has demonstrated his unique abilities as an
administrator and educator; he also has a strong ability to build relationships,”
Ellis previously served as dean of the Center for the Development of Christian Leadership at LeTourneau University, a private, nondenominational Christian university in Longview, Texas. As dean, Ellis was commissioned with incorporating leadership principles and practices into all aspects of the university community. He led a team of 15 and was responsible for raising support for the center and all of its activities, as well as representing the university to outside constituents, training faculty and staff, and overseeing the leadership program.
Prior to that, Ellis served as director of leadership development and student programs at Taylor University, where he partnered with both faculty and students to meet the educational, social, spiritual and developmental needs of students. Ellis also has significant curriculum development and classroom teaching experience both at LeTourneau and Taylor.
An ordained minister in the Free Methodist denomination, Ellis has pastored Chalk Hill Community Church in Texas, and has served in churches in Lexington, Ky., and Indianapolis.
“As we look to the future, I am most confident Brent Ellis will continue to lead a dynamic
development team that will secure philanthropic gifts to advance Spring Arbor University,”
“I am honored to be named vice president for university advancement at Spring Arbor University. As a product of Christian higher education, I know the importance of a quality academic experience where Jesus Christ is the perspective for learning,” says Ellis.
