Olivet University is pleased to announce today that the Board of Trustees has named Dr. Tracy Davis as the institution's next president. 

The incoming president was appointed by the Board of Trustees at its specially scheduled meeting in New York December 7-8. She will succeed Dr. William Wagner, who concludes a distinguished 3-year term as president of Olivet University.

Dr. Wagner will continue to serve Olivet, together with Dr. Ray Tallman, as co-leaders of Olivet’s doctoral programs, which are envisioned as the forerunners of a prestigious doctoral school at Olivet where doctoral students can learn from great Christian scholars and leaders from around the world.

"The University has experienced great development under Dr. Wagner’s guidance, including the development of the faculty and academic programs. Olivet alumni and staff mentored by Dr. Wagner, including Dr. Davis, are currently serving Christian ministries around the world," said Board Chairman Dr. Andrew Lin in a statement. 

"It is a great blessing and deep privilege to follow in the footsteps of those who have served God and this institution as University President," said Dr. Davis. 

A graduate of Harvard University, Dr. Davis received her M.Div and D.Min degrees from Olivet. Since 2005, she has served in Olivet's administration and helped to lead the institution through the process of initial accreditation successfully, as well as several expansions of that accreditation's scope. Prior to her appointment as president, Dr. Davis served as academic dean of Olivet University. 

"The world desperately needs the Gospel," she added. "I am committed to doing my best – together with the people across Olivet and the Biblical higher education community – to see that need is met a moment sooner."

Her appointment will become effective December 23 following a campus ceremony. The ceremony will also pay tribute to Dr. Wagner who has completed his term as the University president.