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Houghton Announces Upcoming Changes to Masking Guidelines

By Owen Hardiman

On February 15, an all-campus email announced that Houghton College will undergo changes to masking requirements in the coming weeks. The email, sent from Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Marc Smithers (‘08), reported that on Sunday, March 6, the day many students will return to campus from Winter Break, masks will no longer be required to be worn in Houghton’s residence halls or townhouses. Smithers noted that the transmission rate on campus will be closely monitored as these changes go into effect, and if COVID-19 rates remain low the school expects to further relax masking requirements the following week on Monday, March 14. These changes will require masking only in classrooms and in chapel and would allow faculty members to elect not to wear a mask in their classes provided they socially distance themselves from their students. Additionally, the Dining Hall will be fully opened to students, faculty, and community members.

When asked why the Houghton PREP (Preparing a Residential Education Plan) team decided upon a phased approach to adjusting masking guidelines, Smithers stated, “A phased approach is particularly helpful when implementing significant changes like this to our policies as this allows us an ability to see how these changes play out in the community on a more gradual scale. As we’re returning from Winter Break at this same time, we especially want to be sensitive to the risks associated with reentry to campus, so this is another reason to be more cautious in any changes we would make to our policies at this time.”

The PREP team cited the low number of cases on campus and the decreasing number of cases in the area as a key factor in the decision to modify the school’s masking requirements. These changes were greeted with excitement from many Houghton students. Leah O’Connell (‘23) enthusiastically remarked, “I’m very excited that we will no longer have to mask in a majority of places. As an RA, I especially am looking forward to not having to regulate masking in the dorms.” This sentiment of enthusiasm was echoed by Mary Vandenbosch (‘23), who remarked, “I am excited for this step forward after the extensive amount of time that has been put into making this possible. It will be wonderful to see the many smiling faces around campus again!”

Other students shared they felt a mix of emotions regarding the upcoming changes. Sarah Halvorson (‘22) shared that they already see many students not following current masking guidelines, which is a cause of anxiety and anger for them. They noted, “I wear my mask out of respect for the community even though I am fully vaccinated. Now that the choice is on the individual and it is not blatantly disrespectful to the community to be unmasked or half-masked, I’ll have one less reason to be annoyed by others. Do I think everyone should be masked? Yes. But since half the campus doesn’t do this anyways, therefore nullifying the point, at least I can enjoy being maskless in some spaces with a clearer conscience.” This blend of eagerness and apprehension was affirmed by Elizabeth Veacock (23), who said, “I found myself feeling so excited and yet so very nervous. It feels like it might be too early to lift all of the masking restrictions and things could go back to being worse like they were in the beginning. However, I feel like we have to rely on God and trust that as long as we make small steps in the right direction we can get back to the way things were before COVID happened.”

When asked about the concerns that students may have about the new masking policy, Smithers noted, “Any sort of emergence from the policies that we have known for the last two years will be, at least at first, unsettling, particularly for those individuals who are at higher risk for severe infection but also for nearly everyone as this has been what our normal life has been since early 2020.” He went on to remind students that the best defense against severe infection from COVID-19 continues to be well within the control and choices of each individual, with vaccination being the best defense. “For students who are concerned about these changes, we continue to strongly encourage our community to be vaccinated and boosted, if eligible, and to social distance from others when in environments where you are unsure of the vaccination status of others. In addition to this, individuals can still continue to choose to mask in all areas of campus. There will still be many individuals who will be masked throughout campus, as they are identified as close contacts or may be in the last five days of their isolation period, in which the CDC allows individuals to be out of isolation but still requires them to mask around others.”

It was on March 13, 2020 when Houghton announced it would be shutting down and sending students home due to COVID-19. Two years later almost down to the day, Houghton will start to look more like it did pre-pandemic. ★

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Winter Sports At Houghton

By Isaac Little

The Houghton Highlanders approached the winter season with great anticipation and promise. Having a young roster across the board meant that this would be a developing year for many players and would cause the veterans of each team to be placed in an important role. Although one could argue that the Highlanders are in a tough position entering their seasons given the inexperience they may have at the college level, each team is eager to accept the challenge faced in front of them, and they look to improve each day. 

The Houghton Track and Field team has been diligently preparing for their main season in the spring by competing in a wide range of indoor track events. The Men’s and Women’s teams have proved a high level of competitiveness with their competition and look to make a push in the conference tournament this spring under the leadership of Seth Greene (‘23), Dillon Bell (‘21), and Amanda Burrichter (‘22), who have all solidified themselves as some of the top runners in the conference and look to use their experience to help their teams thrive. Standouts from the women’s side include Amerrah Horne-Vaden (‘25), Alexandria Wisniewski (‘23), Mary Shaker (‘23), Haley DeJager (‘22), and Amanda Burrichter (‘23), while Seth Greene (‘23), Malcom Smith (‘25), Dillon Bell (‘21), and Brennan Lewandowski (‘23) also show much promise for the season ahead on the men’s side.

The Houghton Women’s Basketball team holds a record of 7-11 (1-8 in Conference). After starting the season off on a high note, the Highlanders look to make a push back into the conference seedings. Their roster consists of 6 freshmen, 2 sophomores, and 2 juniors, showing their potential as they continue to develop and establish their identity. This is noted by freshman Abby Guiher (‘25), who says, “This season has had its tough moments, but I wouldn’t want it with any other team. We have seven girls most likely for the rest of the season, but I know if we put our all on the floor every single day, we could do big things in the future.”

The Houghton Men’s Basketball team holds a record of 1-16 (1-7 in conference). Although one could become discouraged with this result, the men have competed neck-in-neck with practically every opponent in which they have played, only losing by narrow margins. Considering that 14 of their 19 players fall within the freshman to sophomore range only proves the potential that this Houghton squad has under the direction of Coach Lance Westberg. Junior Reece Gustafson (‘23) believes, “This team has been through a lot of ups and downs, but there is no doubt in my mind that this is the closest team that I have been a part of.” When speaking further about the season, Gustafson states, “We might not be seeing the success we want right now, but I know we are building relationships with each other that go beyond basketball. These guys are my family, and I am excited to see how we finish out the season.”

The Highlanders may not have had the results that they had hoped for, but there is no doubt that these teams have tremendous potential. With a strong coaching staff, along with a year of development at the collegiate level, the Highlanders will no doubt have success in the future. As the Houghton Basketball teams approach the off-season, they look to continue to increase their skill and knowledge of the game, which will prove to be beneficial in the following years. Although the Houghton Track and Field team may be closing out their winter season, they look forward to their spring season in which they look to make a push for the Empire 8 Championship title. ★

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Shenovations: Updates and Repairs to Shenawana Hall

By Colin Campbell

On January 24, Marc Smithers, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, announced that Shenawana (Shen) Hall will be closed for the 2022-2023 academic year to undergo renovations. Established in 1960, Shen has housed “Shenmen” for 62 years. More than just a building, the residence hall has developed a strong culture throughout its history. The news that Shen is going to close in order for the college to make repairs and updates to the building comes with a mix of emotions but mainly excitement, as the thought of living in a restored Shen brings joy to many people. However, hearing that a building, which holds so many memories, will go through a change like this also brings about a feeling of panic. 

What will the Shenmen do for a whole year in Lambein Hall? Are they still going to be considered Shen residents? When Shen is reopened, will the culture of the past fade away? One of the freshmen Shen residents, Ben Davidson (‘25), after spending most of his first year in Shen, calls it home. He, along with many other residents, feel that it is due time for Shen to be renovated. Davidson plans to stay a Shen resident for his duration at Houghton and feels that life in Lambein will be different from Shen. He says, “We are deeply rooted here,” and the thought of the culture changing is scary. This feeling is supported by Dillon Bell (‘22), who is in his fifth year of living in Shen. He says, “Shen is the dorm that never sleeps.” He has enjoyed his time in Shen and would describe the residents as rowdy but intentional. While he cannot wait to see the renovations of Shen, he hopes that the culture can carry the same energy that it currently holds into the updated building. A concern of his is that COVID-19 may prevent the culture from flourishing back into what it once was.

Shen’s culture took a hit from COVID-19, which could be difficult to revive. The renovations being made to Shen will not only affect the culture of Shen but will also impact the culture of women residents on campus. Since Lambein will be used as a male resident hall, most of the women on campus will be living in Gillette Hall. This means there will be a significant increase of residents in Gillette, which will provide its own challenges. While this change may provide a unique experience for campus life in this next academic year, it may be the start of a beneficial shift in structure.

With bright hope for the future, the men’s resident director of both Shen and Rothenbuhler (Roth) Hall Shua Wilmot believes that while the culture may shift, the fundamental characters of the buildings will not be lost but further embraced. Wilmot quotes, “In their transition to Lambein (and to Roth and elsewhere), it is my hope that the students coming from Shen will continue striving to exemplify Shenawana’s values of Strength, Honor, and Brotherhood in their healthiest, most Christ-like forms. I hope to cultivate an environment in Lambein in which incoming and returning students alike will enjoy a balance of exciting, new experiences with the rich tradition of brotherhood that this year’s Shen Men will bring with them.” Good things are coming for Houghton College and for the future of Shenawana Hall. Pray that the current and future men of this resident hall will be blessed with strength, honor, and brotherhood.★

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Houghton Announces Spring 2022 Commencement Speaker

By Bryce Preston

On Friday, February 4, 2022, President Lewis announced in an email to the Houghton community that a speaker has been chosen for this year’s commencement ceremony. Rev. Gabriel Salguero will address the graduates at Houghton’s 135th commencement ceremony, which is set to be held in Wesley Chapel this May.

Salguero serves as a pastor at The Gathering Place, a large multi-ethnic church in Orlando, Florida. He is also the founder and the president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. Salguero’s work has been featured on the Discovery Channel and the Oprah Winfrey Network, and he has been named one of America’s most prominent Latino evangelical leaders by numerous publications including The New York Times and Huffington Post.

President Lewis explained that the process of selecting a commencement speaker involved thought and prayer. “More than anything I wanted to invite someone grounded in our Christian faith, to inspire, encourage, and challenge the class of 2022 and the Houghton College community. Rev. Dr. Salguero will certainly do all of those for us. His ministry and his message challenges the church to courageously live out our faith.”

Excitement about the announcement has also been expressed by members of the Class of 2022. Logan Callen (‘22) explained, “Being a theology major who is looking at this kind of work for my future, I couldn’t be happier with the announcement that Dr. Gabriel Salguero would be our commencement speaker! All of his amazing work in the world is truly inspiring and a model for the kind of path that I want to take.”

Faculty members have also expressed their enthusiasm over the commencement speaker selection. Dr. Änna Pettway has incorporated Salguero’s work into her curriculum for Psychology of Race and Racism for several years. She commented,

“I was so thrilled to hear that our commencement speaker this year will be someone who has challenged me and so many of my students to think about activism as an extension of their faith.” Pettway continued “Rev. Salguero introduced me to the God of Hagar – a God of proximity and solidarity, who hears us and sees us and meets us right in the middle of our suffering, and encouraged me to be a person of proximity and solidarity, who hears others and meets others right in the middle of their suffering.”

Along with the email announcement about the speaker came an update on the college’s plans for this year’s graduation weekend festivities. At this time, the college plans to offer an in-person celebration of the Class of 2022, including a Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 13 and the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14, both of which will be held in Wesley Chapel. 

Hannah Heinl (‘22), the Class of 2022 Representative on Student Council, said, “I am excited for graduation and all that is being planned or in the process of being planned. I know that everyone involved in the planning process is also excited and hopeful that this year, graduation will look a little more normal than it has for the past few years.”

This spring will also mark President Lewis’ first commencement at Houghton. When asked about this new experience, Lewis said, “The first day of classes and commencement, as the bookends of the academic year, have always been my favorites. I am proud of all the Houghton class of 2022 has accomplished in face of unprecedented circumstances and challenges, and I am excited about how God is going to use them to change the world.” Commencement is a time of celebration of both the graduating Class of 2022 and of President Lewis’ first year at Houghton. The people of Houghton are thrilled to include Rev. Dr. Salguero as part of this ceremony.★

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Sophomore Leadership Conference Returns

By Elise Koelbl

It was gone but not forgotten. After a year of strict COVID-19 guidelines forcing its absence, February 4 marks the return of the Sophomore Leadership Conference, just in time for it’s 5th year. The Sophomore Leadership Conference is an event for sophomore students to further understand their strengths and show them their abilities as a leader. This year’s theme is titled “Activate: Leadership, Gifts, and the Kingdom of God,” which is notably different than in past years where the theme was “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” This continues to be a program designed to promote leadership in young students.

The person in charge of organizing the event is Rachel Wright. When asked about the decision to direct this event towards sophomores, she stated, “This event has focused on the Sophomore year as students near the time to officially declare their major and there were already existing opportunities like Transitions, Senior Seminar courses, etc. for students during other years. Because of the pandemic, the event was canceled in 2021, so we are opening this year up to those who would have been Sophomores last year.” The event itself goes from the evening of Friday, February 4 to all day Saturday, February 5. There will also be an exclusive dinner with Kindschi Faith and Justice Symposium guest Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah on Monday, February 7 for all of the conference attendees.

Adelaine Morgiewicz (‘24), who is currently a sophomore, plans to attend the event. Like many sophomores, she received an email from Houghton’s Office of Vocation and Calling informing her of this event. As someone who is still undecided in her major, she is excited to attend to gain a better understanding of herself as a leader. 

Highlights of what is included at the conference with the $20 registration fee include: participants completing the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment; students completing a Positive Change Project during the event, which can feasibly be enacted during their time as students; as well as Conference swag; and Saturday meals. 

Guests this year include Dr. Greg Bish, the Keynote speaker, who is also the Chief of Staff at Houghton College; Dr. JL Miller, the Associate Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College; and the Strengths Coach, Dr. Ellen Marmon, a Professor of Christian Discipleship and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Asbury Theological Seminary, who will be Zooming in to the Conference; Sharon Mulligan, the Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services at Houghton College, who will be leading an Ideation Session; and Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, a Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary, who will be having dinner with Conference participants on Monday.

The administration is excited the Sophomore Leadership Conference was able to return after its absence last year. With a variety of guest speakers, attendees will experience a helpful and informational event. ★

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MLK Day Changes Wrought by Snowstorm

By Anna Catherman

Across the nation on Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was celebrated with a variety of activities. Houghton College had planned to commemorate the day with a variety of special programs in lieu of classes. Unfortunately, a blinding snowstorm with a foot of snow put Houghton’s plans on pause. The chapel speaker, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Peeler from Macedonia Baptist Church, was unable to reach Houghton safely, and other planned events were canceled as many faculty members worked remotely. 

Prior to the event, the STAR interviewed President Wayne D. Lewis about what he was looking forward to about the day. He explained how growing up, he went to various services commemorating the day over the years, and expressed deep appreciation for how Houghton sets aside a day away from classes for the occasion. “The day for me is really special because it gives us the opportunity to pause what we’re doing and reflect on his life and his legacy, just as a leader who’s had an incredible impact on our country.”

Though the day did not look like it was planned, Houghton still invites students to pause and reflect. Posters were hung around campus, and they remain up for students to read. From academic departments to the dining hall, these posters inform passersby of the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other prominent black figures. David Stevick, Director of Library Services, explained that in lieu of the planned poetry and children’s book readings, the library has set up displays of books for students to peruse throughout the coming days. 

Some of the other festivities, including the chapel service, will be rescheduled. According to Dean of Chapel Michael Jordan, Rev. Dr. Peeler’s talk is now scheduled for Feb. 21. The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles food truck’s visit has not been rescheduled at this time. Also in limbo is an evening concert by Priscilla Ozodo-Acevedo (‘10) and her band. 

Despite the inclement weather, Houghton was still able to honor Dr. King and reflect on his legacy. ★

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Center for Sustainability Hosts Open House

By Megan Brown

On a bitterly cold Friday afternoon in late January, while most students were heading back to their residences or leaving campus for the weekend, I trudged up Roth hill on my way to an event occurring on the third floor of the Chamberlain building: the Center for Sustainability Open House.

As I entered this cozy room in Chamberlain, decorated with recycled paper chains handcrafted by Mary Chichester (‘22), an intern at the Center for Sustainability (CFS), I was greeted by a room full of people playing an environmentally-themed game of Kahoot, eating cookies, and getting to know each other. Both the space and the people were welcoming. The large windows revealed a bright and beautiful winter scene outside, framed with a variety of plants perched on the windowsill. In the corner, a bookshelf was full of a range of items, from an impressive collection of literature about sustainability and social change to Russian nesting dolls. Music gently played in the background. The room not only serves as an office for the Center for Sustainability but also provides a delightful hangout space for students and interns alike. It additionally serves as the office for Brian Webb, who heads the CFS.

When I asked what he loves most about his job working on issues of sustainability on campus, Webb remarked “I love Houghton students, getting to work with them, and building connections with them, both in and out of the classroom.” He acknowledged the many difficult challenges that our planet is facing, but noted that “the passion our students have for sustainability and protecting God’s creation gives me hope for the future.”

The first CFS intern with whom I engaged in conversation was Clayton Hardiman (‘22), clad in his signature ball cap and sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He encouraged me to help myself to the array of snacks being served, and he even offered me a bottle of local honey. On the down low, he also invited me to take one of the mugs that the coffee and other hot beverages were being served in. Hardiman serves as the Garden Coordinator for the CFS, a position that he noted mainly consists of planning during the winter months. When asked about what the CFS means to him, he shared that the CFS “brings the issue of ecological care and creation into a Christian perspective.”

After chatting with some other interns and students attending the open house, eating some delicious cookies, and drinking a hot cup of coffee, I left the CFS with a complimentary bottle of honey and a smile hiding behind my mask. Next time you’re on the third floor of the Chamberlain Center, I encourage you to also stop by to visit the fine people at the CFS. You can sit down to parooze a book about environmental issues, have a meaningful conversation about sustainability with people who are well-versed on the subject, and perhaps have a spot of tea. ★

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President Lewis’ First Semester in Review

By Joshua Carpenter ('24)

​In the Fall semester of 2021, Houghton College welcomed Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. as its 6th President. Since then, Lewis’ first semester has ended, with his second having just begun. Meanwhile, positive feedback on his presidential performance is flowing in from all over Houghton.

​Micah Williams (’23) sat down with the STAR in an interview to discuss his first impressions of President Lewis, noting his appreciation for Lewis’  frequent presence on campus, also adding that “It’s nice to see the president of the school where they are just sitting in chapel and being there with us, or even just seeing him drive around campus and knowing that his presence is there… it’s nice to just have his presence there.”

​Looking at President Lewis from a professional angle, Dr. Gaerte, a communication professor who has been teaching public speaking for more than 35 years, observed his inaugural address with positive remarks, referring to it as “outstanding”. Gaerte also wrote that , “ He struck an effective balance between honoring Houghton’s long traditions and showing connections to past presidents like James Luckey, Stephen Paine, Dan Chamberlain, and Shirley Mullen, and yet clearly articulating how he will continue to shape Houghton going forward in his own unique way. That can be a difficult balance for a new president – how do I respect the past and those who helped create this office before me yet while establishing my own vision for my presidency.”

​In search of a personal comment, The STAR reached out to President Lewis to ask him some questions to better understand his own thoughts and feelings towards his presidency and Houghton in general. He answered, “The Houghton College community, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni, have been incredibly welcoming, kind, and gracious to me and my family. We are thankful that God brought us to such a generous and Christ-centered community.” President Lewis  also commented on what he thinks are Houghton’s greatest strengths, having said, “Houghton’s greatest strengths are its people and its faith. I have never served at an institution with a more loyal and committed community. Our people love Houghton, and it shows… As well, the Houghton community’s historic and continuing belief that God will faithfully provide resources and direction to the college is a hallmark and tremendous strength of our community. I share in that longstanding faith belief. As long as we “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways submit[ting] to him, he will make [our] paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

With a presence welcomed by both students and faculty alike, President Lewis has shown Houghton that not only is he enjoying its people, but his presidency as well.★

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Excitement Builds for Houghton’s Sixth Presidential Inauguration

On October 1, 2021, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis Jr. will be inaugurated as the 6th president of Houghton College. Photo Courtesy of Michael Blankenship.

By Anna Catherman (’24)

Purple and Gold Week will come to a climax on Friday, Oct. 1 with the inauguration of Houghton College’s sixth president, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. Dr. Lewis has been serving in the role since June, but traditionally Houghton’s presidential inaugurations have taken place the first weekend of October, usually alongside the numerous annual Homecoming activities. While Homecoming has been scaled back this year, the Inauguration is set to provide a unique experience for students currently on-campus, as well as faculty, staff, and a handful of invited guests.

The main event of Inauguration weekend will be the ceremony itself, which is set to take place in the Wesley Chapel on Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. With concerns around COVID-19 still plaguing much of the country, the crowd will be smaller than previous inaugurations, but there will be some distinguished guests. 

Inside the chapel will be President Lewis’s family and friends, along with some Houghton faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities, will be in attendance along with delegates from a handful of colleges, including John Schneider from Harvard University. Schneider is a Houghton alumnus and a great-great-great grandson of Willard J. Houghton. Alumni, community members, and others are being invited to watch the Inauguration via a live stream.

The ceremony will have a strong worship element, as requested by President Lewis and his family, and will feature many members of the Houghton community in responsive readings, prayers, and speeches. Student Body President Malachi Yeager (‘22) will be representing the Main Campus students in the ceremony. He will be participating in a charge to the President, given alongside Patricia Davis, who will be representing Buffalo East Side, and Aaron Salomon, who will be representing Buffalo West.

Yeager told the STAR “I am honored to be a part of such a historic event. This was not something I had anticipated being a part of when I was in the running for Student Body President. It’s not often Presidential Inaugurations take place and thus I hope the Lord blesses the ceremony and President Lewis’s future service to the college.”
Many other events will take place throughout the weekend, according to Dr. Cathy Freytag, one of the Inauguration Committee members. “It’s been a long, detailed process with many, many stakeholders.”

There will be a gala on Thursday evening, an art gallery presentation and a meet-and-greet on the quad Friday afternoon, and a celebratory concert and fireworks on Friday evening. 

Thursday evening’s gala on the Quad will feature New Orleans jazz, snack stations, and dancing. Faculty, staff, and students are all invited to attend, and formal attire is encouraged.

Dr. Carrie Magin was commissioned to compose an original song, entitled Into Twilight, in honor of the Inauguration. “I’ve been commissioned by ensembles and professionals from across the U.S., but it’s been such a special honor and privilege to compose this new work for our very own Houghton College Wind Ensemble. The students are hard at work on bringing this piece to life, and we’re all hopeful that it will be impactful in celebrating and commemorating the significant event of President Lewis’s inauguration.” Into Twilight will debut at 7 p.m. at the Greatbatch School of Music’s Inauguration Concert.

Dr. Ted Murphy will be presenting on Houghton’s artwork collection at 3 o’clock p.m. in the Ortlip Art Gallery. “Strangely Warmed”, a piece made specifically for the Inauguration, will be the highlight of the event. It is a colorful, post-impressionist style oil and mixed medium painting. Dr. Murphy talked to President Lewis personally before embarking on the project, and planned it according to his taste. The piece will be shown alongside a number of other works in an exhibition entitled  “Archive: A History of Art at Houghton College.”

Campus is buzzing with excitement for the rare and historic event. “I think it is going to be a very special time, not just for the institution, but for President Lewis.” noted Phyllis Gaerte, an Inauguration committee member. She, along with Greg Bish, are the only members of the committee who have served on an Inauguration committee before; they both played roles in planning President Shirley Mullen’s inauguration.

Numerous students also were eager to share their thoughts on the events. Grace Deitrick (‘23) said she is “deeply excited.” Kathryn Groff (‘23) expressed surprise and enthusiasm at the fact that such an important event was taking place during her four short years here.

President Lewis himself took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to the STAR. When asked what he was most excited about, he explained he’s excited for the college to come together and mark such an important event in Houghton’s history. “We’re a college that’s been there for 140 years, almost, and only the sixth college president, that’s pretty remarkable. Thankfully, this is not something that the college does very often, due to stability in leadership, and so I think it’s a great opportunity for us to come together…and to thank God for how far he’s brought us and to prepare for the next chapter in the college’s history.” ★

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Dr. Wayne D Lewis Jr. Announced as 6th President of Houghton College

Dr. Wayne D. Lewis will take over from President Mullen this fall as the 6th president of Houghton College. COURTESY OF AMY TETTA

On Wednesday, April 28, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis Jr. was announced as the 6th president of Houghton College. Following President Shirley Mullen’s announcement on October 20th of her resignation after 15 years in the position, the school has spent over half a year eagerly waiting to find out who would be the next individual to take up the role of school president.

So who is Dr. Lewis? Hailing from New Orleans, Lewis graduated from Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. However, his formation as a leader began even before college. In his first message to the student body, during Wednesday’s chapel, Dr. Lewis cited his time as a high school drum major as a key influence on him, saying this was his “most formative leadership experience, even at this point in my life… there’s nothing I believe that prepared me more.” Going on to receive a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Akron in Ohio, Lewis then received a PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from North Carolina State University, with a minor in Public Administration.

Dr. Lewis is certainly no stranger to the field of education, and though his experience in this area includes time dedicated to higher education, it is by no means limited to it. “I selected education as a career a long time ago now,” he said an introductory video released on the Houghton College YouTube channel, “because of my deep love for students… I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life and my career working to create opportunities for students.” This started, says Dr. Lewis, with his time working in K-12 education in Louisiana and North Carolina public schools, particularly focusing on special education. 

After Dr. Lewis finished his doctorate, he served at the University of Kentucky as a professor of Educational Leadership. He then moved on to serve in a public office, as the Executive Director of Education Policy and later the Commissioner of Education for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Before coming to Houghton, Dr Lewis’ most recent position was at Belmont University, as the inaugural Dean of the School of Education. Furthermore, he has authored one book, “The Politics of Parent Choice in Public Education: The Choice Movement in North Carolina and the United States,” and has published numerous other pieces on topics in education, included in both edited volumes and peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Lewis’ positions and writing outline the figure of an individual who is dedicated to improving education for all in practical ways, both through what he says and what he does.

In the introductory video, Dr. Lewis also emphasized the necessity of Christian liberal arts institutions in our current time and climate. “I have no doubt God uses places like Houghton College,” he says, “to prepare leaders for today and tomorrow, to deal with some of the most difficult, the most intractable problems our world has ever seen… to have a small role in what God is doing here at Houghton, is more than I could ever imagine.” ★