Point Loma Nazarene University announced the election of Kerry Fulcher as the university’s 15th president on 1 July 2024. Fulcher has been the university’s provost and chief academic officer since 2010. Moreover, Fulcher was also a professor of biology at PLNU starting in 1994 and was biology chair from 2002 to 2008. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Idaho and his Bachelor of Science at Northwest Nazarene University.

“I want to thank Board Trustee Nell Becker Sweeden who chaired the Search Committee and the faculty, staff, and trustees for their time and energy in faithfully serving on this committee,” said Doug Pierce, PLNU Board of Trustees chair. “I also want to thank FaithSearch Partners, one of the largest executive search firms in the U.S., who was hired early on to assist with this search.”

In February, FaithSearch Partners conducted focus groups with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, external partners, and donors to fully understand and appreciate the community’s perspective on the important characteristics and experiences of the ideal presidential candidate, as well as challenges the next president will likely face.

Additionally, an anonymous survey was sent to all faculty and staff, trustees, alumni, and external partners to gather additional insight and perspectives. This input was used to create a detailed position profile that helped to guide the next phase of the search process.

FaithSearch Partners worked to narrow the crowded pool of candidates to approximately 150. The candidate list was further refined after additional follow-up conversations and vetting. Twelve qualified candidates were presented to the Search Committee, which then narrowed it down to four individuals.

Early this month, the Search Committee met in person for in-depth interviews with the final three candidates (after one person withdrew). The committee recommended two candidates to the full Board of Trustees, which voted to elect Fulcher as the next PLNU president.

Fulcher brings a wealth of higher education experience, understands the growing challenges and complexities that universities are facing, and is committed to making the PLNU community a welcoming and thriving place for its students, faculty, and staff.

“Robyn and I are humbled and honored to be chosen to serve this beautiful community that we have had the privilege of being a part of for these many years,” Kerry said. “We are grateful for Dr. Bob and Linda Brower’s faithful leadership that has left PLNU with a solid foundation and strong financial position to build from. We know and believe the Holy Spirit is active and present within the PLNU community and we’re excited to partner together, moving into the good future God has in store.”

--Point Loma Nazarene University