CCU President: 2006-2016
Bill Armstrong was a 'once in a generation' president. He was a revolutionary president, causing a transformative shift in the quality and ethos of CCU. It was a privilege to serve with him.– Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, CCU President (2016-2022)
Businessman. Public Servant. University President. Christ Follower.
Former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong served as president of Colorado Christian University from August 15, 2006 until his death July 5, 2016. He called his time at CCU the "most significant, energizing, and rewarding work" he had undertaken.
From the outset, President Armstrong communicated his strategic objectives of honoring Christ; sharing His love on campus and around the world; teaching students to trust the Bible, live holy lives, and speak out for their faith; and serve as a magnet for outstanding students and to prepare them for significant positions of leadership.
During his nearly 10 years as CCU president, enrollment more than doubled from 2,500 students to more than 7,000. President Armstrong also spearheaded a realignment of the University's core curriculum which earned CCU a top ranking by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for the last four years of his tenure.
In 2014, President Armstrong led the CCU community in celebrating 100 years of God's faithfulness to the University – and in setting the vision for our next 100 years. Part of this vision included the campaign to develop the University's Lakewood campus. During his presidency, CCU completed the construction of a new academic building (Leprino Hall) and a new residential building (Yetter Hall) and started construction on the Anschutz Student Center.
Before joining CCU, Armstrong served in the Colorado State House of Representatives (1963-1964), the Colorado Senate (1965-1972), the U.S. House of Representatives (1973-1978), and the U.S. Senate (1979-1990). For six years he served as chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
He owned and operated over a dozen private companies. He also served as chairman of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, Greenwood Capital, and Blueberry Systems, and as a director of six public companies. He had an active personal ministry of evangelism and presented the gospel in nearly all 50 states at hundreds of prayer breakfasts, outreach events, and rallies.
Bill Armstrong passed away on July 5, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. His true legacy was his focus on Jesus and his enthusiasm for Colorado Christian University, and all who are a part of it.