Charting the Future: Dennis A. Davis
In this year of our 90th anniversary, we’re excited to share with you a set of videos from the living past presidents to remind you of God’s goodness to us. There have been a total of six presidents at Northwest, including me, and each has brought a different set of skills to the task of leading this great missional institution.
Henry Ness (1934–1949) brought a vision for training ministers and missionaries to spread revival during the Great Depression, always conscious of the Lord’s soon return. Charles Butterfield (1949–1966) was a magnificent preacher who dreamed of turning our humble Bible college into a full-fledged college—even envisioning that we would one day found a hospital. He changed the name to Northwest College of the Assemblies of God and started a junior college division. He also moved the campus from its original church home in Seattle to Kirkland, where he landed a large bequest from Wanda Dickey and managed to construct our twelve original buildings with the help of the H. J. Secrist family. Duane “D.V.” Hurst (1966–1990) served for 24 years, achieving regional accreditation for the college and adding important buildings and land to the campus, succeeding with Randy Barton in bringing the Seattle Seahawks to our campus. All these wonderful leaders have gone on to be with the Lord, but we see daily reminders of them in the fruits of their labors that continually shape our work.
Three of our historic presidents remain. Today we will feature a testimony from Denny Davis (1990–1998), who left truly important accomplishments in place. He began our first majors outside the classic Bible college areas, launching our business degree and getting state approval for our education degrees to prepare teachers for the public schools. Many other majors followed. Denny was, and continues to be, a magnificent public speaker. His eloquence and bright spirit come through powerfully in the enclosed video.
God has truly blessed us in these 90 years. May He continue to bless Northwest University until the day of Christ’s return.