SAU Announces Changes to President’s Cabinet

The Cabinet of Spring Arbor University’s President, Dr. Brent Ellis, is set to see several changes beginning June 1. Current Executive Assistant to the President, Julie Morse, will be retiring from Spring Arbor University (SAU) on May 31. Morse held her role in the President’s Office since April 2020 and previously served in various roles within the President’s Office, Human Resources, Student Development & Success, and SAUOnline. In total, Morse provided 17 years of service to Spring Arbor University.

In lieu of replacing the position of executive assistant, President Ellis will be returning to a Chief of Staff model in the President’s Office. Filling that role will be current Vice President of Student Development & Success, Corey Ross. Prior to joining SAU in 2019, Ross served in various roles within student development since 2000, including as Chief Student Development Officer at two Christian institutions. In his new role as Chief of Staff, Ross will continue to serve on the President’s Cabinet and be responsible for the central coordination of all functions and activities of the Office of the President, as well as managing short- and long-term critical priorities, initiatives, and activities.

With Ross’s transition to Chief of Staff, SAU’s current Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and Dean of Student Care & Success, Kevin Brown, will be promoted to Vice President of Student Development & Success. Brown will maintain his duties as CDO. In his current role, Brown leads the Office for Institutional Diversity and Intercultural Relations, and is also responsible for the oversight of the student accountability process, Holton Health and Wellness Center, Counseling Program Advising, Retention and Career Development efforts, as well as the department of Campus Safety. Over the past three years, Brown has been the shepherd of SAU’s efforts in building bridges across differences through the Bridging the Gap initiative. During his career, Brown has served as the senior advisor to three university presidents on issues of diversity, intercultural relations, and community engagement.

“It is a bittersweet time as we bid a fond farewell to Julie as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and grace,” said Dr. Ellis. “At the same time, we are thrilled with the promotion of Corey to the pivotal role of Chief of Staff. Corey’s exceptional leadership and deep understanding of our Christ-centered values make him an ideal choice for this position. Additionally, we are excited for the well-deserved promotion of Kevin to the role of Vice President of Student Development & Success. With his commitment to inclusivity and his genuine care for our student body, Kevin will continue to uplift and empower our students. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Julie and extend our warmest congratulations to Corey and Kevin as we continue to cultivate an environment that nurtures the minds, hearts, and souls of our students, guided by our unwavering commitment to educate for Christ and his kingdom.”