Inauguration for the 14th President of Huntington University
The Huntington University Board of Trustees voted to elect Dr. Robert Pepper as the University’s 14th president at January’s 2025 Board of Trustees meeting. Pepper was selected following an extensive national search assisted by executive search firm Carter Baldwin.
Pepper comes to HU after a nearly 32-year career at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as the executive director and assistant to the president for innovation and university partnerships.
Pepper graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Messiah College in 1992, followed by a Master of Science degree in counseling: college student development from Shippensburg University in 1994. He later earned a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University in 2009 and completed a certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education in 2019.
“I am humbled to join Huntington University as its 14th president,” said Pepper. “As my wife, Kristin, and I learned about the University’s rich history and heard from board members and community members about the vibrant, Christ-centered communities in both Indiana and Arizona, it became clear to us that Huntington is deeply committed to developing the whole person. The institution’s focus on helping students view all things through a Christian worldview and preparing them to impact the world for Christ is inspiring.”
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Pepper as the 14th President of Huntington University on October 17th.
Inauguration Events
Friday, October 17th
Inauguration Chapel - Huntington University Students
11:00 AM
Location: Merillat Center for the Arts
Forester Inauguration Picnic - Huntington University Students, Staff & Faculty
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Habecker Dining Commons
14th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony - RSVP required
3:00 PM
Location: Merillat Center for the Arts
Note: The ceremony will take place at 3:00 pm Eastern. If you would like to watch the Inauguration ceremony you can do so by going to Huntington's Youtube page. Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0MwJssJVuw
Inauguration Dinner - RSVP Required
5:30 PM
Location: Merillat Complex: PLEX - Community Gym
Saturday, October 18th
Women's Volleyball vs Taylor
1:00 PM
Location: Merillat Complex: PLEX - Platt Arena
Women's Soccer vs Bethel (IN)
5:00 PM
Location: Merillat Complex: PLEX - King Stadium
Huntington University Inaugural Ball - Huntington University Students
7:00 pm
Location: Huntington Union Building
Questions?
If you have any questions please reach out to Jeff Berggren at jberggren@huntington.edu or Daniel Fleming at dfleming@huntington.edu. You can also call 260-356-6000.
Traveling?
If you are traveling for the event, below are some hotel recommendations which are 20 minutes from Huntington's Campus.
Hampton Inn Ft. Wayne-Southwest
8219 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260)-459-1999
Staybridge Suites Fort Wayne by IHG
5925 Ellison Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260)-432-2427
