Dr. Joseph Castleberry Becomes
Sixth President of Northwest University
Dr. Joseph Castleberry became the sixth president of Northwest University (Kirkland, Washington) on August 15, 2007. Before coming to Northwest, Dr. Castleberry served as the academic 
dean at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Springfield, Missouri).
Northwest’s former president, Dr. Don Argue, transitioned to the new position of Chancellor on the same date.
“We are excited about Dr. Joseph Castleberry continuing the tradition of strong presidential leadership at Northwest University,” stated Rev. Les Welk, the chairman of the University’s Board of Directors.
“Dr. Castleberry has impeccable academic and ministry credentials, along with a wide involvement in education, ministry, and leadership around the world.”
Dr. Castleberry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Evangel University in 1983, a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1988, and a Doctor of Education degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1999. He is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God, the University’s sponsoring denomination. He has lived and served extensively in Central and South America.
Dr. Castleberry served as academic dean at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary from January 2003 to July 2007. He has wide experience as an educator, missionary, and pastor. He also has written and spoken globally on a wide variety of subjects.
As a missionary, he served as academic dean of the Assemblies of God Biblical Seminary in Quito, Ecuador (1997-2001) while also serving as the pastor of Centro Cristiano del Norte, which planted four “daughter” churches under his leadership.
He is founder of the Freedom Valley Project, a community development ministry among the African-American people of Ecuador’s Chota Valley Region. Before his ministry in Ecuador, he served as associate dean for Latin America at Global University, as a missionary in El Salvador and as the Assemblies of God chaplain at Princeton University.
His most recent publications include articles in Rev. Magazine and The Encyclopedia of Protestantism, book reviews in Pneuma, two New Testament Greek self-study textbooks forthcoming from Global University Press, and a chapter in The Spiritual Gifts in a Postmodern Age. His current research interests include the intersections between globalization and Christian mission, and the relationship between Pentecostal and postmodern thought.
“I believe it is within Northwest University’s reach to become a world-class model of academic excellence that is loyal to the faith and spiritual power of our forefathers,” stated Dr. Castleberry. “I can foresee the continued deployment of Northwest University graduates around the world and an ongoing relationship with them that brings the world to the campus and takes the campus to the world. Given the Northwest region’s rich heritage of foreign missions, such a vision is deeply consistent with our ethos and tradition.”
Dr. Castleberry and his wife Kathleen have three daughters, Jessica, 17, Jodie, 15, and Sophie, 9.
Dr. Castleberry with his family, from left, Jessica, Kathleen, Sophie, and Jodie.
The selection of Dr. Castleberry was the result of a nationwide search over several months. A Presidential Search Committee was formed last December, consisting of faculty and staff, alumni, pastors, and members of the board. This committee received more than 30 nominations.
“We contacted all of the nominees who met the qualifications specified in the University’s bylaws,” stated Dr. Warren Bullock, an Executive Presbyter of the Assemblies of God and local pastor who served as the Chairman of the Search Committee. “By late March, we had narrowed the search to 11 confirmed applicants. We then presented one candidate to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.”
The Executive Committee interviewed Dr. Castleberry on May 2, and forwarded his candidacy to the full board. He was elected during the board’s semi-annual meeting on May 4.
Northwest University is located on a 56-acre campus on the eastside of Seattle, near Lake Washington, in Kirkland, Washington. In recent years, the academic program has grown with significant additions, including psychology, communication, English, environmental science, history, mathematics, and nursing. Students can now choose from more than 50 academic programs. Graduate programs are growing as well. Northwest now offers Master’s Degrees in Teaching, Education, Counseling Psychology, and Business Administration.
Students at Northwest University are challenged, and then equipped, to “Carry the Call.” With their hearts, to develop compassion and character. With their heads, to discover the joy of rigorous study and mental discipline. And with their hands, to actively engage the world around them.
Northwest University students also benefit from opportunities to gain practical experience, both locally and globally. For example, a communication major interned at a Seattle television station, and a business major with a music minor interned at Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony. Education majors work with qualified teachers while observing and student teaching in local schools, and ministry students intern with experienced pastors in area churches. In addition, senior students in the Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing spend the month of February in a cross-cultural context, serving in hospitals and clinics in Taiwan, India, Mexico, Africa and Alaska.
Northwest University is committed to the spiritual development of each of its students. The university community gathers three times a week in Butterfield Chapel for worship and preaching by a variety of significant speakers. Many students also gather on Monday nights for a student-led worship service called Pursuit. Students can participate in a variety of ministries that reach out to the community through service, evangelism, and prayer.
