Judson U. names Michigan retiree as interim president
FROM SUBMITTED REPORTS May 23, 2012 12:06PM
William C. Crothers
Updated: July 3, 2012 8:51AM
ELGIN — The Board of Trustees of Judson University officially announced Wednesday that they have appointed Dr. William Clark Crothers as Judson’s interim president for the next academic year. Crothers will assume this position on July 1, the day after Dr. Jerry Cain retires.
“I am thrilled to partner with the people I have met at Judson — people of Christian conviction, academic quality and commitment to service,” Crothers said in a statement issued by the school. “It is humbling to be chosen to continue the outstanding work of President Jerry Cain while the university seeks a new permanent president. With God’s guidance and the support of the Judson community, the university will continue to advance in this transition year.”
Crothers served as president of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y., from 1981 until 2002. Crothers facilitated a renaissance at the school, more than tripling enrollment, expanding facilities, increasing recognition for academic quality, balancing the budget and seeing substantial growth in the college’s endowment, according to Judson’s statement. In addition, graduate-level programs were introduced, including the establishment of Northeastern Seminary.
Crothers was born and raised in Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Michigan-Flint College, a master’s in business administration in finance from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration at Michigan State University.
In addition to serving as president of Roberts Wesleyan, Crothers has been executive director of university planning at University of Wisconsin-Stout, executive vice president at Bethel College in Indiana, interim president of Asbury University in Kentucky, and an officer on the board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. He is also a board member of the Free Methodist Foundation and Guidestream Financial. He has also served on several for-profit boards in a variety of industries.
Crothers and his wife, Rilla (Vannest) Crothers, a registered nurse, have three married daughters and several grandchildren. They currently live in Davison, Mich., where Crothers serves as the managing partner of Presidential Leadership Associates, a consulting firm focused on non-profit organizations.
“We are deeply grateful to have Dr. Crothers at Judson,” says Judson Board Chair Carol Thompson. “He brings a lifetime of experience and wisdom, and we are confident he will make significant contributions to the university during this transition year.”
