Dr. Sweeting Named University's First Chancellor
The Board of Trustees of Colorado Christian University, the premier Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region, has announced the appointment of Donald W. Sweeting, Ph.D., as the University's first chancellor. Sweeting follows the legacy of Dr. David Beckman who was named chancellor of one of CCU's heritage institutions, Colorado Christian College, in 1985.
Sweeting, who as CCU president has overseen six years of record enrollment and continued academic growth, will transition to his new role on August 1. As chancellor, Sweeting will be charged with amplifying the University's educational mission, convictions, and strategic priorities inside and outside CCU, as well as assisting the new president.
The search for a new president is underway as Sweeting serves his current tenure through the end of July.
Sweeting came to CCU from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, where he served as president and professor of church history from 2010-2016. Sweeting is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and holds degrees from the Moody Bible Institute, Lawrence University, Oxford University, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
"CCU's brand is resonating as never before, and I'm excited about this opportunity to invest more time communicating that," Sweeting said. "There is a hunger for sane, substantive, convictional, Christ-centered higher education. This new role allows me to promote that while extending the impact of the University's mission and values."
During the presidential search, Board of Trustees Chairman Tim McTavish, who earned his MBA at CCU in 2013, will serve as interim president. McTavish has served on the Board of Trustees for more than 10 years and has also taught in the School of Business and Leadership in the College of Undergraduate Studies, where students named him affiliate faculty member of the year in 2018 and 2021.
"Dr. Sweeting has brought a strong commitment to theological integrity, biblical fidelity, and cultural engagement," McTavish said. "We will be thrilled to have him as chancellor, where he will have even greater opportunities to inspire students, parents, and faculty as he continues to champion the cause of Christian higher education during this crucial cultural moment."
McTavish will be replaced as board chair by fellow Trustee Wil Armstrong, a Denver-based entrepreneur.
"Don Sweeting has understood what a thoroughly Christian university should look like," Armstrong said. "He's kept CCU from mission drift and dramatically raised its national profile. I'm excited he'll continue to do so in his new role as chancellor."