The following press release is being issued today by Southwestern College:
September 27, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEN MUNSIL APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Board of Trustees of Southwestern College is pleased to announce the appointment of attorney, public policy expert and experienced non-profit leader Len Munsil as the 6th President in the 50-year history of Arizona’s only fully-accredited, non-profit Christian liberal arts college.
Munsil, 46, was founder and first President of The Center for Arizona Policy, growing it rapidly into the nation’s largest and most influential state-based policy organization. In his only run for elective office in 2006, he came from behind to win a contested primary for the Republican nomination for Governor of Arizona. In the general election he received more than half a million votes but lost to incumbent Gov. Janet Napolitano.
“Len Munsil has the experience, vision and energy to lead our College forward at this pivotal time,” said Dean Borgman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “He has been involved at the school for more than 15 years as an adjunct professor and Board member, and we are delighted he has accepted our invitation to serve as President.”
“I am honored to have this chance to lead Southwestern into its second half-century,” Munsil said. “This is an exciting time in our history. I believe we are poised to explode into a new era of growth and influence as a top-notch liberal arts college in the Southwest, while maintaining our ‘intentionally Christian’ heritage.”
Munsil’s appointment, by mutual consent, will last until a permanent President is chosen. The Presidential Search Committee, with Munsil as a member, will work to recruit a permanent President for the College by not later than the Fall 2012. Dr. Brent Garrison resigned in August after 15 years as Southwestern College President.
Munsil brings a unique perspective to the position of College President. Not only has he been a Board of Trustees member, he and his wife Tracy have both taught political science classes at the school, and the Munsils are parents of two students at Southwestern – Anne, a junior Biblical Studies major and member of the women’s basketball team, and Michael, a sophomore Education major.
Southwestern College, founded in 1960, is a non-denominational Christian college nearing 500 students for the first time in its history. The College offers degrees in Behavioral Health, Biblical Studies, Business Administration, Christian Ministries, Elementary and Secondary Education, Music Education and Music Ministry.
Recently the College added emphases in pre-law and pre-medicine, along with a fully accredited Adult Degree Completion program. The College competes in athletics at the NAIA level, and added baseball this year with the hiring of former Major Leaguer Thad Bosley.
Munsil will continue his Of Counsel relationship with the law firm of Mueller, Drury & Lawrence.