Taylor University President to Resign
(photo courtesy of Taylor University)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe president of Taylor University is stepping down. The university’s board of trustees says Paul Lowell Haines has resigned from the position and will leave the Upland campus August 15.
A specific reason for Haines’ resignation was not given, however the Board Chair Paige Cunningham noted the move was "neither solicited nor encouraged" by the board.
"We are saddened by Dr. Haines’ decision, but we are deeply grateful to him and to his wife Sherry for their personal commitment to the vision and historical, evangelical, orthodox Christian mission and purposes of Taylor University and to the institution’s foundational positions and policies," Cunningham said in a news release. "These policies, with the full support of the Board of Trustees, have been strengthened on his watch."
Haines graduated from Taylor in 1975. He later held various positions at the university, including vice president for student development, for 10 years before leaving to attend law school. He worked for Faegre Baker Daniels as a higher education lawyer before returning to Taylor as president in 2016.
Taylor says, under Haines’ leadership, the university received two number one rankings and one number two ranking for the Midwest region of U.S. News & World Report’s survey of America’s Best Colleges. He also completed the university’s strategic plan and oversaw advances in financial and fundraising goals, academic and athletic offerings, leadership diversification, and facility improvements and renovations, among other accomplishments.
"It has been the greatest privilege and honor of our lives to serve our beloved alma mater in various capacities over the last 44 years, and especially the opportunity during these last three years for me to lead as President," said Haines. "We have been humbled by the faith placed in us, and the love, support and prayers of the Taylor community."
Haines says he will be ready to assist the board and the university’s new leadership team moving forward.