Huntington University Board of Trustees
2023-2024
University Governance
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the direction and management of all assets and programs of the University. The Board formulates and determines the general, educational and financial policies as are deemed necessary for the administration and development of the University in accordance with its stated purposes. The Board selects the President who serves as chief executive officer of the University and is responsible for all University educational and managerial affairs.
The University is firmly committed to the lordship of Jesus Christ and evangelical Christianity as the foundation for its educational philosophy and operation. All trustees, excluding Ex Officio Trustees, and all regular employees of the University shall (i) possess a genuine and personal relationship with Jesus Christ as evidenced by a vital witness and spiritual maturity, (ii) evidence an evangelical commitment, (iii) actively participate in a local church congregation and (iv) subscribe to the Huntington University Statement of Faith.
The Board of Trustees may be comprised of up to 39 active, voting members. Trustees are elected by the Board and members of the Higher Education Leadership Team of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA. The President of the Huntington University Foundation, the President of the Alumni Association of Huntington University and the President of the Student Senate are ex officio members. Elected members serve four-year terms.
Officers of the Board
| Monte J. Lightner | Chair |
| Rae A. Gonterman | Vice Chair |
| Thomas A. Feusse | Secretary |
Term Expires 2024
| Brian G. Emerick, chief executive officer | Columbia City, Indiana |
| Thomas A. Feusse, retired executive | Dublin, Ohio |
| Katie C. Fraser, student | Nappanee, Indiana |
| Ronald J. Freeman, retired executive | Portland, Indiana |
| Richard D. Merillat, retired executive | Naples, Florida |
| Sue E. Miller, business owner | Middlebury, Indiana |
| Jeanné Wickens, chief financial officer | Roanoke, Indiana |
| Matthew M. Wilcox*, business owner | Andrews, Indiana |
Term Expires 2025
| Lars P. Andersen, physician | Saint Johns, Michigan |
| Nancy J. Brown, retired law enforcement officer | Winter Garden, Florida |
| Thomas A. Clounie, business owner | Huntington, Indiana |
| Brooks L. Fetters*, business owner | Huntington, Indiana |
| Todd H. Fetters*, bishop | Huntington, Indiana |
| Rae A. Gonterman, retired executive | Roanoke, Indiana |
| Adrian L. Halverstadt, attorney | Huntington, Indiana |
| Dalton M. Jenkins*, professor and management | Yonkers, New York |
| Nicole M. Johnson, financial advisor | Warren, Indiana |
| Nancy K. Lamport, retired business person | Peoria, Illinois |
| Monte J. Lightner, retired attorney | Roanoke, Indiana |
| Kristi L. McConnell*, retired architect | Caledonia, Michigan |
| Brian D. Nofzinger*, shareholder, certified public accountant | Blissfield, Michigan |
| Martin T. Pennington*, lead pastor | Northwood, Ohio |
| Ryan M. Warner, retired executive | Huntington, Indiana |
Term Expires 2026
| Robert L. Caley, business owner/farmer | Markle, Indiana |
| Candace E. Curie, business owner | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Joshua D. Wilhite, senior pastor | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| C. Robin Wright, senior vice president | Columbia City, Indiana |
Term Expires 2027
| Tomra A. Cardin, chief executive officer | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Brian D. More, chief executive officer | Columbia City, Indiana |
| Rex D. Schrader, president | Columbia City, Indiana |
| Herbert A. Schumm, retired physician and executive | Loveland, Ohio |
| Joshua D. Willard, business owner | Byron, Michigan |
*Higher Education Leadership Team of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
Chairman Emeriti
| Donald L. Duff, retired executive | Huntertown, Indiana |
| C. Ray Miller, retired bishop | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Kelly K. Savage, retired executive | Grandville, Michigan |
Trustees Emeriti
| Carol A. Clark, retired physician | Orange Beach, Alabama |
| Larry L. Lance, retired executive | Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Paul E. Lehman, retired executive | Chambersburg, Pennsylvania |
| Emmett W. Lippe, retired superintendent/chief executive officer | Harrison, Michigan |
| David N. McGinnis, business owner | Ada, Michigan |
| Kenneth W. Savage, retired executive | Grandville, Michigan |
| Nancy L. Stouffer, retired executive | Moneta, Virginia |
| Thomas L. Tyler, retired president | Granger, Indiana |
| Howard A. Whaley, retired executive | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Honorary Trustee
| Phillip G. Howard, retired business executive | Franklin, Indiana |