Charles H. Webb

29th President

 Dr. Charles H. Webb, an alumnus of Spring Arbor University, holds a doctorate in administration in higher education from MSU, where he also served as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education. He has also served as faculty lecturer for Vanderbilt University and as faculty for CASE United Kingdom Institute. He is on the Board of Regents with Trinity International University, and also served as a member of the Spring Arbor University Board of Trustees from 1983-87. Webb holds a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel from Western Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in social science and philosophy religion from SAU.

Dr. Webb assumed the role of SAU’s 29th president on June 1, 2008. Webb took over for Dr. Gerald E. Bates, who served as president for the 2007-08 academic year.  Webb’s passion for Christian higher education and his talent for university promotion and advancement made him an obvious choice to replace Dr. Bates.

“Dr. Webb brings a tremendous amount of executive leadership experience into the Spring Arbor University presidency,” says Bates. “Yet, it is his wisdom, humility, faithfulness and integrity that are most impressive and most valued as he begins his tenure as the president. I am confident the University’s strategic vision will be realized under his able direction.”

In addition to his aptitude for continuing the momentum SAU has experienced in recent years, his higher education experience also includes leadership in other key administrative areas. Prior to coming to SAU, Webb served as vice president for university development at Michigan State University, where he was responsible for fundraising programs and generating private sector support for the university. Most notably, Dr. Webb led MSU’s $1.2 billion campaign, where he exceeded the fundraising goal with a total in excess of $1.4 billion — all 15 months ahead of schedule.

“My entire professional career — and with a sense of a Divine call — has been in both Christian and secular higher education. Having served as a university officer for one of the nation’s top 100 leading research universities over the past 26 years, I understand how a university works. I have the passion and focus to build on the unprecedented momentum and bring continued stability to Spring Arbor University. I am committed to embracing the values of our past and draw from them the energy to innovate our future,” says Webb.

His skills as a leader and visionary are encouraging as SAU looks to continue in its expansion of academic programs, main campus and off-site development and its overall impact on the international community.

“Dr. Webb is a proven leader in educational administration. He has taught, written and planned at the highest of university levels not only in Michigan, but across the nation. He brings a balance of understanding in areas of academic excellence and practical support needs for the type of educational experience that is uniquely ‘Spring Arbor’ through its main campus and 12 extension sites,” says E. Harold Munn, search committee chair and longtime board trustee.

Webb’s leadership talents surpass the higher education sector and he has also proven himself in other roles. Early in his career, Webb was an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church. He currently serves on these boards: Lansing Christian Schools, Mildred B. Erickson Scholarship Fund, the University Club of MSU, Richard Featherstone Scholarship Program and Boy Scouts of America/Chief Okemos Council. He is also a President’s Council Member for Campus Crusade for Christ International.

A published author and lecturer with experience working with multiple site locations, Dr. Webb has received numerous awards, including two from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, MSU and Spring Arbor University (Young Leader of the Year/1977 and Professional Excellence/2001).

Webb is married to Philippa (Barnwell), an alumna of Spring Arbor University. Mrs. Webb also holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University, where she has served as an academic specialist and team coordinator for the Teacher Preparation Program.

Dr. and Mrs. Webb have two adult children, David (Nicole) and Jason (Heather), and three grandchildren, Bizzy, Kyama, Ashtyn, Pippa and Michah.