WINONA LAKE – The Grace College & Theological Seminary Board of Trustees announced Thursday it has unanimously appointed Dr. Drew Flamm as its seventh president.
In July, Flamm will make the transition from his current role as executive vice president at Grace, according to a news release from Grace.
The comprehensive seven-month national search was steered by the Presidential Search Committee, comprised of members of Grace’s Board of Trustees, faculty and staff. The search was assisted by CarterBaldwin Executive Search and included input on the presidential profile from the campus community. After a thorough examination of a pool of candidates from across the nation, Flamm received a unanimous recommendation by the search committee to the Board of Trustees.
“We are thrilled to see Dr. Flamm assume this new leadership role at Grace,” said Butch Shook (BS ’72), Grace board member and chair of the search committee. “Throughout his past nine years at Grace, Dr. Flamm has consistently displayed Christ-centered servant leadership. He has a deep love for Grace College & Seminary and unwavering confidence that God will continue using this institution to help students better know Christ and make Him known.”
“The committee was compelled by how well-versed Dr. Flamm is in many facets of higher education – not to mention, his acute understanding of Grace’s culture and mission,” said Janine Zeltwanger (BS ’85), Grace board member and search committee member. “Under his leadership, the school has set historic records in all areas he oversees, including recruiting the largest incoming class. I believe this is only a sign of the growth and flourishing that will take place during his tenure as president.”
Flamm has more than 16 years of higher education experience at multiple colleges. He served at Cedarville University from 2006 to 2013 in a variety of roles in the advancement office. Following his time at Cedarville, Flamm transitioned to become director of development at Manchester University. He then came to Grace to serve as vice president of advancement.
Under the leadership of past president, Dr. Bill Katip, Flamm directed the Aspire Campaign, the school’s largest-ever comprehensive campaign which raised $39.8 million. The Aspire Campaign enabled the building/renovation of five facilities and more than doubled the institution’s endowment. Under Flamm’s leadership, Grace has achieved its seven largest giving years in school history, the news release states.
“Dr. Flamm’s resume shows, and his colleagues would testify, that he is a highly driven, results-oriented leader who knows how to set and accomplish the goals before him,” said Dr. John Teevan (MDiv ’72, DMin ’07), interim president at Grace. “Those qualities will continue to serve him well in his new role as president as he leads Grace through the milestones of the future.”
Over the course of his time at Grace, Flamm was promoted to oversee marketing and enrollment efforts as well as the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. Flamm played a crucial role in integrating marketing and enrollment functions and leading the school in its “Ways of Grace” rebranding, resulting in a 21% increase in undergraduate enrollment.
In addition, Flamm has demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, successfully providing the strategic framework, assembling task forces and implementing campus-wide plans for the past several strategic cycles, according to the release. He also teaches in the college’s Master of Nonprofit Management program.
“I have worked alongside Dr. Flamm on our nominating committee and to host the state budget committee on Grace’s campus, and he has proven himself a leader at both the local and state levels,” Dr. David Wantz, president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). “It excites me to think about the future of Grace and its growing momentum in community engagement that will lead to more and more opportunities for students going forward.”
“I am humbled to follow in the rich legacy of leadership of Grace. I truly believe the future at Grace College & Theological Seminary is bright, and I’m honored to be a part of this season of the Grace story,” said Flamm. “As a product of Christian higher education myself, I know the transformative effect it had on my faith and my life. I pray that the Christ-centered education at Grace will have the same effect on countless students in the years to come.”
Flamm holds a Bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Communication from Cedarville University, a Master’s in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University.
Flamm and his wife, Stephanie, live in Winona Lake with their three sons.
