Don Argue Announces Transition

November 30, 2006

Dr. Don Argue announced today that he will transition from the presidency at Northwest University before September 2007. Argue’s announcement was received by the University’s Board of Directors in their semiannual meeting.

Don Argue, Ed.D., has served as president of Northwest University since July 1, 1998. Since Argue’s arrival at Northwest, enrollment has grown over 51%, now totaling 1,281 students. The University has added more than a dozen undergraduate programs, including The Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing, as well as three graduate programs, the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Master of Business Administration, and the Masters in Teaching. He has led growth that includes a significant increase in the number of faculty members, and the addition of 13 new buildings, including the acquisition of a 35,000 square foot office building that serves as the Center for Graduate and Professional Studies.

In remarks to members of the University’s board, faculty, and staff, Argue explained, “I have always looked to the words of Jesus recorded in John 17 when making these transitions in the seasons of my life.

Dr. Don Argue, President.
Jesus, in His prayer to the Father, said ‘I have completed the work You gave me to do.’ I feel that I am completing my work here at Northwest University.” He also noted that he is in his twenty-eighth year of presidential leadership. He served as president of the National Association of Evangelicals before coming to Northwest. Prior to that, Argue was president of North Central University in Minneapolis.

Argue explained that his remaining months as president will be devoted to completing the University’s new Health and Sciences Center (HSC). Construction of the $18.9 million project is scheduled to be completed in August 2007. The HSC will serve as the home of The Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing, and house science labs, classrooms, and faculty offices. Argue will continue to lead the ongoing fundraising, bringing the project to completion. “I am excited to see how our friends, churches, and various supporters will join us in funding this vital addition to our campus. I would be thrilled to have this project fully funded in the coming months,” said Argue.

Les Welk, Chairman of the Northwest University Board of Directors, commended Argue for his extraordinary service, saying, “Northwest has experienced remarkable growth under Don’s leadership. We certainly rejoice in growing enrollments, expanding programs, and new buildings… but we are most grateful for the invigorating vision and innovative leadership that have resulted in positioning Northwest for a bright future. The board, faculty, and staff are united and moving forward in pursuit of God’s best for our current and future students.”

In recent years the University has implemented a system of shared governance, strengthening and clarifying the roles of the Board of Directors, Faculty, and Office of the President. “Dr. Argue has built a strong team of vice presidents in the Office of the President, which will provide stability and continued growth,” added Welk.

Welk explained that the board will now follow the guidelines provided by the University’s bylaws and the policies in the board’s manual. “In the coming weeks, a committee will come together to guide the University through our search for our next president. Members of our board, faculty and other constituencies will share in this process.” Welk went on to say that the board’s goal is to provide for a seamless transition so that the next president is in place by the opening of the 2007-08 academic year.

“My wife Pat and I are looking forward to this next season in our life,” said Argue. He serves on several boards, including the American Bible Society and the Assemblies of God Financial Services Group. Argue went on to say, “I continue to marvel at the doors of opportunity that open to me by God’s grace. It has been an unusual privilege to have some influence in our federal government, especially along the lines of our government’s work confronting international religious persecution.” Leaders from business, government, education, and the Church often look to Argue for his unique perspectives based on his rich experience and extensive network of relationships.

In closing comments with members of the board, faculty, and staff, Argue indicated his ongoing commitment to Northwest University, saying, “I’m looking forward to building on the deep sense of loyalty we have to the people and work of Northwest University. Pat and I love these dear people and we are looking forward to seeing Northwest’s bright future unfold in the coming years.”