David Randolph Named Olivet University President

July 05, 2006

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San Francisco, CA -- Dr. David J. Randolph, a member of the Olivet University's College of Art & Design faculty, was elected Olivet University President at a special two-day meeting of the Board of Directors on June 30 and July 1. He will take office on July 17, 2006, succeeding Founder and President David J. Jang, who is retiring from the presidency in order to pursue his passion for mission-field work fulltime.

Randolph was elected upon the unanimous recommendation of a search committee composed of directors, faculty members, students and staff, according to The Rev. Andrew T. Lin, chairman of the Board of Directors, who also chaired the committee.

"Dr. Randolph shares Olivet University's dream to be used to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and advance His mission," Lin said. "His wide range of talents and professional pursuits – which span the fields of systematic theology, social work, pastoral and new media ministry – reflects the breadth of Olivet's own interests. We are all delighted by Randolph's selection."

With the announcement of the Board's decision, the Olivet leaders offered a prayer of blessing. President-Elect Randolph, by turn, thanked Olivet's Board for the opportunity to lead Olivet University and its ongoing counsel.

President-Elect Randolph's academic background is broad and distinguished. He received his B.A. from the University of Delaware in 1956, followed by a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University School of Theology, where he graduated cum laude in 1959. He began doctoral studies soon after, earning his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University in 1962.  Years later, Randolph received his M.S.W. degree from Yeshiva University in 1985.

In addition to serving as co-founder and president of the Academy of Homiletics founded at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey, Randolph also has served in leadership roles for several Boards and affiliate bodies of The United Methodist Church.

Randolph is an avid teacher. Before beginning his tenure with Olivet University, he held a variety of teaching posts, including appointments with the School of Theology of Drew University and Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. His most recent teaching commitments explore the intersection between Christian mission and visual media. Randolph's work has received national attention on numerous broadcast programs, including The National Radio Pulpit and The Today Show on NBC-TV.

The President-Elect is also recognized for his extensive pastoral leadership, which stretches across several decades. He has preached in church congregations and religious centers across the United States and Europe. His pastoral leadership experience includes twelve years of service as Senior Pastor of Christ Church, a United Methodist congregation on Park Avenue in Manhattan, and another twelve years serving as Senior Pastor of United Methodist Church of Babylon in Babylon, New York. He serves on a number of Boards including that of the Center for the Arts, Religion and Education in California and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation in New York.

Randolph was born in Elkton, Maryland and has one son, David Randolph III, one daughter, Tracey Ballesteros, and one grandson, Anthony Randolph Ballesteros.

The incoming President's selection will be made official at the July 17th installation ceremony, which will take place at Olivet University in San Francisco.

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