At the dedication of CCU’s new residence building, Yetter Hall, former President Armstrong welcomes arriving students.
CCU President: 2006-2016
Former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong became president of Colorado Christian University on August 15, 2006. “I feel a great sense of destiny about the opportunity to help educate a new generation of leaders,” he said. “It is the most significant, energizing, and rewarding work I have ever undertaken.”
From the outset, the president communicated his strategic objectives for the University. "Colorado Christian University is committed to honoring Christ and sharing His love on campus and around the world. CCU will always teach students to trust the Bible, live holy lives, and speak out for their faith. And now, more than ever before, CCU intends to be a magnet for outstanding students and to prepare them for significant positions of leadership,” Armstrong commented.
During Bill Armstrong’s 10 years as CCU president, enrollment more than doubled from 2,500 students in 2006 to over 6,000 in 2016. His commitment to academic excellence is reflected in ACT scores for incoming students that are significantly higher than the national average. In addition, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni has ranked CCU in the top two percent of colleges nationally for its core curriculum – for the last four years in a row.
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 includes the campaign to redevelop the University’s Lakewood campus. “This campaign will help us fulfill our strategic objectives by providing a top-notch academic environment, which will foster inquiry and enhance learning collaboration between faculty and students. It will encourage community. A redeveloped campus will aid us in cultivating leaders,” he commented. Since the redevelopment project began in 2012, CCU has completed construction of a new academic building (Leprino Hall) and a new residential building (Yetter Hall), and will complete the new Anschutz Student Center in 2017.
In February 2016, President Armstrong announced his plans to retire from the University after nearly ten years of service. “These last ten years have been an unforgettable experience for Ellen and me. God has granted favor to the university in rising enrollments, academic standards, success in debate, sports, employment opportunities for students, in bringing world-renowned speakers to campus, permitting us to build new academic, residential, and student life buildings, and even a growing national reputation,” he commented. “Colorado Christian University is on a trajectory to become a great university. It is exhilarating to see God at work in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Before his retirement from the University became official, Bill Armstrong passed away after a long battle with cancer. His impact on the University will be felt for many generations to come.
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.
– Rev. Dr. Don Sweeting, CCU President