HUNTINGTON — The President of Huntington University, Sherilyn R. Emberton, EdD, announced her retirement Tuesday, effective May 31, 2025, at the end of this academic year.

“Serving with the faculty, staff and Board of Trustees at Huntington University has been the highlight of my professional career,” said Emberton. “I have loved being part of the United Brethren denomination, community of Huntington, Northeast Indiana and the wonderful independent colleges and universities of Indiana. By far, the greatest joy in that journey has been my interaction with students. I have been blessed by the opportunity to become a part of the Forester Family and will forever be grateful for all the people who have been part of this legacy Christ-centered institution.”

Emberton’s 23-year career in Christian higher education culminates with 12 years as HU’s chief executive officer and the national director of education for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

In 2022 when HU celebrated its 125th Anniversary, she gave the keynote speech during that year’s Heritage Days Breakfast. Then she told the story of her traveling to HU for her first interview for the role as university’s 13th president and its first woman president.

She explained how when looking out the airplane window the land looked like a checkered board because of the agriculture in the region. She questioned during the interview how the university could have a school of agriculture.

Since then, Huntington University has grown 34 percent by expanding locations and academic initiatives. The University’s locations in Peoria, Ariz., and on the campus of Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne house signature programs in digital media arts and occupational health therapy.

In 2015, the University launched the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies. Students studying agriculture are projected to be the largest group of incoming HU students in fall 2024.

Rev. Todd Fetters, Bishop of the U.S. National Conference says Emberton has led HU and the denomination with vision, collaboration, humility and deep faith.

Monte Lightner, chair of the Board, shared the university is sad yet grateful for Emberton’s leadership on and off campus. She represented HU with stakeholders, funders and collaborations, as well as a strong enrollment. Her winsomeness and joy and commitment for a Christ-centered campus will be missed by dedicated and hardworking staffers.

Her current role includes serving on the executive committees for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, AgriNovus Indiana and the Independent Colleges of Indiana. Dr. Emberton chairs the board of Lenawee Christian Ministries in Adrian, Michigan, and continues to serve on the board of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. Emberton also sits as an advisory member for the Doden Legacy Trust and the Fortitude Fund.

“We thank Dr. Emberton for her leadership, her friendship and her servant’s heart. We are all better for having had the opportunity to serve Christ with her,” Lightner said.

Prior to her time at HU, Emberton served in leadership roles at East Texas Baptist University, Lincoln Memorial University, LeTourneau University and Texas State Technical College.

For her service to higher education, Panola College in 2017 recognized her as Alumna of the Year and in 2018 Texas A&M University-Commerce recognized her as an outstanding alum in educational leadership.

The Huntington University Board of Trustees has national executive search firm, CarterBaldwin Executive Search, to aid the Trustees in naming a new president before Emberton’s official retirement in May.
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