New President Appointed To Lead Trinity Christian College

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL – Trustees have confirmed Dr. Aaron Kuecker as Trinity Christian College’s ninth president. Kuecker has served as interim president of the Palos Heights-based college since April 2022.

“Over the past year, Kuecker has shown clear direction and vision for the mission and future of Trinity Christian College. We are excited for this new phase in his leadership and the momentum he has created to carry forward,” Cal Tameling said in a news release, chair of the college board of trustees.

Kuecker previously served as the college as an associate professor of theology and director of general education at Trinity from 2008 to 2013, He did a brief stint at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where held several roles, including dean of the school of theology and vocation, professor of theology, and director of the honors College. Kuecker returned to Trinity as provost in July 2016.

The new college president’s academic work has primarily focused on identity formation in the early Christian church, with an emphasis on New Testament studies and biblical theology. Kuecker received his Ph.D. in New Testament studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, his M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary, and his B.A. in political science from Central College. Before earning his Ph.D., Kuecker served as associate pastor and youth pastor at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI.

Kuecker’s confirmation as president of Trinity comes during an exciting time for the college, the board said. In the past year, Trinity launched a set of strategies aimed at radically reducing student loan debt while creating innovative approaches to student well being and vocational formation. The Wellbeing Wednesdays, Earn, Network, and Learn, and Tuition Transparency and Access initiatives have launched a revised economic model that opens the door of access to those who desire Christian higher education.

Each of the initiatives that college has set in motion the past year is rooted in the Christian vision of how God made the world to be filled with abundance and gifting that should inspire deep generosity and connection.

“We are committed to continually asking ourselves, ‘what if a college structured itself with the belief that we were made for cooperation and not competition? What if we dare to believe that there is enough time for students to be well and partnerships to thrive,’” Kuecker said. “Those Christian convictions were the soil in which each of these initiatives took root. I am excited and honored to lead this community forward toward this vision.”

Kuecker added that it has taken the work of the entire campus to move Trinity in these mission-driven directions.

“The transformation and progress we have seen over the past year is a testament to the expert and dedicated faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and community we have supporting the mission.”