HUNTINGTON — Huntington University recently named Dr. Robert Pepper to succeed President Sherilyn Emberton

The hiring followed an extensive national search assisted by executive search firm Carter Baldwin of Atlanta and Washington D.C.

Emberton announced her retirement in August. Pepper is expected to take over the helm at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a Jan. 21 press release.

“I am humbled to join Huntington University as its 14th president,” Pepper said. “As my wife, Kristin, and I learned about the university’s rich history and heard from board members and community members about the vibrant, Christ-centered communities in both Indiana and Arizona, it became clear to us that Huntington is deeply committed to developing the whole person. The institution’s focus on helping students view all things through a Christian worldview and preparing them to impact the world for Christ is inspiring.”

In 1992, Pepper graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Penn. It was it was just five years ago that Messiah College transitioned into Messiah University, compared with Huntington University making such a transition 20 years ago in 2005, according to their websites.

In 1994, Pepper earned a Master of Science degree in counseling: college student development from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, and then in 2009 he earned a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Pepper is currently executive director and assistant to the president for innovation and university partnerships at Messiah.

Messiah University President Dr. Kim Phipps shared this statement: “Dr. Pepper has had a significant impact on programmatic innovation and the development of community partnerships at Messiah. Huntington University will continue to thrive under his Christ-centered visionary leadership.”

Pepper brings more than 30 years of experience serving in various capacities at Messiah since 1993. As director of graduate enrollment and student services, his team doubled enrollment from 247 to 593 students. He also was Messiah’s interim assistant provost and later associate provost dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, still increasing enrollments during 2021-2022.

Huntington University’s board Monte Lightner stated: “The Huntington University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Rob Pepper as the next president of Huntington University. Dr. Pepper’s scholarship, experience, creativity, and above all, his love of Jesus will continue and enhance the legacy left by past HU presidents. We are excited to participate with Dr. Pepper in the next chapter of Huntington University.”

Pepper and his wife, Kristin, married in 1993. She brings 18 years as a member of the children’s ministry staff at West Shore Free Church, creating a strong faith foundation. Together they raised three children with these same values graduating from colleges, universities and beyond.

“At a time of unprecedented change and societal challenges, it is this unwavering commitment to Christ, scholarship, and service that draws us to Huntington University,” Pepper said. “I am deeply grateful for the strong leadership and vision demonstrated by President Sherilyn Emberton, her senior leadership team, and the Board of Trustees. Building on the solid foundation they have established, I am eager to begin working with others to advance Huntington University’s mission and continue to foster a Christ-centered thriving, transformative educational community.”
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