University Leadership
Presidential Search
Presidential Search
Candidate Nominations Are Now Open
FaithSearch Partners is now actively identifying potentially interested candidates. To nominate a candidate for consideration by the search committee, or to express your own interest for consideration, please email bjensen@faithsearchpartners.com, and include the candidate’s:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
All nominations and general inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
Please continue to pray with the NNU community as it navigates this journey. Specifically, pray for wisdom and discernment for the search committee and FaithSearch Partners as they evaluate candidates based on NNU’s identity and needs.
The Presidential Search Committee will use this page to keep the University community informed of their progress.
Focused Day of Prayer
The Presidential Search Committee and the NNU Board of Trustees invite you to join us in praying for the entire presidential transition process on the 14th of each month. The 14th day of each month is significant because we will be electing NNU’s 14th president. Please join us!
President Pearsall Announces Retirement
June 5, 2024
In a letter to the Northwest Nazarene University Board of Trustees, President Joel K. Pearsall announced plans to retire in the summer of 2025. In a June 4 video call with the Board of Trustees, Chair Mike Zahare expressed gratitude to President Pearsall and his wife, Nikki, for their many years of service to the University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I nominate someone for consideration?
FaithSearch Partners is now actively identifying potentially interested candidates. To nominate a candidate for consideration by the search committee, or to express your own interest for consideration, please email bjensen@faithsearchpartners.com, and include the candidate’s:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
All nominations and general inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
What is being planned to celebrate the many contributions Joel and Nikki have made to NNU?
There will be multiple times during the academic year to honor and celebrate Joel’s leadership and the ways he and Nikki have served the NNU community. The first public opportunity will be an Overtime-Party following the Men’s Basketball Game on Saturday evening, November 9, of Homecoming Weekend. Throughout the Spring Semester, a variety of events will take place for specific groups within the NNU community. Information will be shared with these groups as plans develop.
During each of our 2025 Commencement ceremonies, students, faculty, staff and guests will hear Joel’s final commencement address. This will be an ideal time for everyone to celebrate his service, honor his leadership and help launch him and Nikki into the next chapter of their lives and ministry.
When did President Pearsall announce his retirement?
President Pearsall’s plan to retire in the summer of 2025 was announced to the NNU Board of Trustees on Tuesday night, June 4, 2024.
Will a new president be found prior to President Pearsall’s departure?
Yes, the NNU Board of Trustees has appointed an initial Presidential Search Committee, consisting of the Board’s Executive Committee and NNU faculty and staff chairs. The Search Committee will be charged with conducting a national search to find a new president. President Pearsall will continue to serve as NNU’s president until his successor is in office.
What is the role of the NNU Board of Trustees in the selection process?
The NNU Board of Trustees has appointed a Presidential Search Committee to lead the search process. Members of that committee are the Board’s Executive Committee, NNU faculty and staff chairs, Foundation Board Chair, Alumni Board Chair and the SGA President. It is the responsibility of the full Board of Trustees to elect the next president.
What will happen between now and when a new president assumes office?
The Board of Trustees, with input from constituency groups, will develop a detailed leadership profile. Then, the Presidential Search Committee (the Board’s Executive Committee and NNU faculty and staff chairs) will conduct the work necessary to enable and prepare the Board to be able to elect NNU’s next president during the Board’s March 2025 meeting. This work, along with the creation of an overarching process and timeline will begin immediately.
President Pearsall will continue to lead the campus community in the 2024-2025 school year. The strategic plan will continue to guide the leadership team and campus community as they implement the priorities and accomplish the goals.
When will a new president assume office?
It is anticipated that a new president will assume office in the summer of 2025. A more precise date will be identified during the search process.
Who is FaithSearch Partners, and why were they chosen to assist with the search?
FaithSearch Partners was launched in 2007 with the desire to bring a biblical mission to the executive search industry. They work with organizations across the faith spectrum throughout the United States to assist them in searches for executive leadership.
FaithSearch Partners will serve as an advisor and resource for the Board and Presidential Search Committee. Using a search firm allows the University to expand the scope of its search by identifying and reaching out to potential candidates, conducting research and due diligence on candidates and assisting with advertising the position. NNU’s Board selected FaithSearch Partners for its proven expertise and success in identifying and recruiting executive-level leaders for Christian higher education.
To learn more about FaithSearch Partners, visit faithsearchpartners.com/about-fsp.
Do denominational (Church of the Nazarene) leaders participate in the selection process of a new president?
The NNU Board of Trustees is the official elector of the President of Northwest Nazarene University. The Board will seek feedback from a range of stakeholders that may include denominational leaders, in addition to the faculty and staff, alumni and donors, students and parents, but ultimately it will be the Board that elects the new president.