Keim accepts president-elect position at Hesston College
Tabor College vice president of academics and student development Howard Keim has announced his intent to accept the president-elect position at Hesston College.
"I have appreciated my time at Tabor, both as a faculty member and administrator," Keim said. "In both of those positions, I have seen the strength of our programs and the value of the Tabor experience for our students. I am grateful for the experiences I have had in both academics and student development."
Keim was announced Sept. 3 as the presidential search committee's "candidate of choice." After meeting with various groups and individuals on the Hesston campus, the search committee reviewed input from the visit. Keim was recommended to the Hesston College Board of Overseers and then appointed by the Mennonite Education Agency Board.
The official announcement of Keim's acceptance of the presidency was announced Saturday.
"Hesston College has strong academic programs, a healthy approach to student development, and a geographically diverse group of students," Keim said. "It is my alma mater, and I am honored to be considered for its presidency. I will do all I can to listen well, to support the good work of the faculty and staff, and to lead in ways that help the college move forward."
Keim will begin service at Hesston College Jan. 1. After a preparation time of approximately six months, Keim will assume the presidency in early May.
"We will miss Howard's leadership at Tabor," said Larry Nikkel, president of Tabor College.
Throughout his time at Tabor, Keim helped solidify several of Tabor's newer programs, helped make major strides in developing the Tabor College Wichita program, and helped shift to a new accreditation program. Keim also assisted in the recent accreditation of the athletic training program as well as pursuing National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation and an education department recertification.
"Howard has served with distinction both as a faculty member and as an administrator," Nikkei said. "His knowledge of organizations, understanding of leadership, collaborative style, and personal integrity have all contributed to his successful service here. We are pleased to have been a part of his personal and professional pilgrimage and wish him God's blessing and every success as he answers the call to lead and serve in a new place."
