CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. Joel L. Cunningham, president of Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., will become vice chancellor and president for the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in July. Cunningham served as president of Susquehanna -- one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- for more than 15 years.
Cunningham began his tenure at Susquehanna in 1979, serving as vice president for academic affairs, professor of mathematical sciences and dean of faculty until 1984, when he was appointed acting president. In 1985 he was elected 13th president of Susquehanna University. Under Cunningham's leadership, Susquehanna's endowment grew from $4 million to $90 million, and $60 million has been committed to new and renovated facilities.
"It is painful to leave an academic community such as the one that my wife Trudy, and I have loved at Susquehanna University for more than 20 years, but it is also exhilarating to think of being able to contribute to the continued development of excellence, innovation and community at Sewanee, an institution of very special character and promise," Cunningham said.
He added that the decision was not an easy one. "The choice for us between staying here and going there was a nearly impossible one between strongly attractive alternatives. In the end we have decided to accept the new challenges, at least in part because I believe this is a great time for Susquehanna to find its next leader. As a result of the hard work and generosity of many people, Susquehanna is thriving. I believe the university will be able to choose its next president from among an outstanding group of prospects," Cunningham said.
Raised in Oak Ridge, Tenn., Cunningham received a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and psychology from the University of Chattanooga (now the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) in 1965. He earned a master of arts degree in 1967 and a doctorate degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon in 1969. Cunningham was a mathematics professor at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, from 1969 to 1974, before serving the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a faculty member and dean of continuing education for five years.
From 1976 to 1977 Cunningham received a fellowship in academic administration from the American Council on Education with the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the president of the University of Tennessee system.
"I am sorry to see Joel and Trudy Cunningham leave Susquehanna because they have been so much a part of the university's success, but at the same time I understand their desire to pursue a new challenge," said Samuel Ross, chair of Susquehanna's board of directors.
"We are grateful to President Cunningham for his leadership, dedication and vision, which has helped Susquehanna achieve the level of excellence it enjoys today," Ross said.
Ross said he plans to appoint a search committee soon to find a successor to Cunningham.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
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