Dr. Joe Stowell Named 11th President

Jan 28, 2008

The Board of Trustees of Cornerstone University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joseph M. Stowell as its 11th president. After an extensive search, the Board unanimously and enthusiastically affirmed the selection of Dr. Stowell at their annual board meeting on Jan. 26, 2008.

Dr. Stowell joins Cornerstone after distinguished careers in higher education and church leadership. From 1987 to 2005, he served as president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill. Under his leadership Moody’s graduate and undergraduate programs were expanded and enriched, the national radio outreach of Moody Broadcasting Network doubled and he provided innovative leadership to Moody Publishers.
 
He is a nationally known speaker and author and also serves on the board and executive committee of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He received a Th.M. in New Testament studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity degree from Masters Seminary. He completed his undergraduate work as an English literature major at Cedarville University.

Dr. Stowell’s first love in education is for students. He has a focused commitment to provide an educational experience in which students are intellectually and spiritually stimulated to engage their world through a Christian worldview with outstanding career credentials. Dr. Stowell values the importance of a community where the character and ways of Jesus are taught and modeled so students will be empowered to bring the light of Christ to the places where they are called.

His life is marked by a deep love for Jesus. This Christ-centered perspective on life and calling is reflected in Stowell’s desire to value people regardless of gender, race or class; to come to the aid of the poor and the marginalized; to build a strong and vibrant community where the presence of Christ is evident; and to govern and lead in ways that engender mutual confidence and trust.

In accepting the presidency, Dr. Stowell said, “It is a great honor to be invited to join the students, faculty and staff at Cornerstone University in the enterprise of advancing the work of Christ through higher education. I have always admired the work and reputation of Cornerstone and pledge my best to both continue and advance its outstanding contribution to West Michigan, our nation and our world.”

Most recently, Dr. Stowell has served as a teaching pastor at the 8,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago and continues to serve as a Ministry Partner with RBC Ministries in Grand Rapids, Mich., featuring a Web ministry at Strength for the Journey.

He and his wife, Martie, have three married children and ten grandchildren.
Cornerstone University is an interdenominational university located in Grand Rapids. Founded in 1941, the university has more than 1,900 undergraduate students and nearly 700 graduate students.