Cornerstone University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone University has 8 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, information systems, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to academic excellence and faith-based development, Cornerstone University empowers students to influence the world through a comprehensive education that integrates a Christian worldview into every professional discipline.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone University

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Dave Veneklase
  • Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Marc Fowler
  • President - Joseph Stowell
  • President, International - Yochanan Williams
  • President - Rebecca Cooper
  • President - Gerson Moreno-Riano
  • President - Rex Rogers
  • Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer - Michael Rohwer
  • Dave Veneklase - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Dave Veneklase, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial strategy of the institution. Overseeing the entire accounting department and budgetary planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial resources support the university's mission of providing accredited degree programs. Veneklase directs the allocation of capital for campus development and technological investments, balancing immediate operational needs with future growth objectives. By monitoring revenue streams from both traditional and online education channels, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability required for academic excellence. This role involves frequent collaboration with the Board to ensure transparency and compliance with institutional standards. Through precise financial modeling and risk management, Dave Veneklase secures the economic foundation of the university. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives the financial performance that enables the institution to equip students for professional success.
    Dave Veneklase

    Marc Fowler - Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Marc Fowler, the Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone University, directs all internal administrative functions and campus infrastructure. Overseeing the daily operational efficiency of the institution, the Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all facilities and support services align with the broader mission of providing a Christ-centered education. Fowler manages complex resource allocation across the Grand Rapids campus, optimizing budgetary performance while maintaining high standards for student services. By coordinating with academic leadership, Fowler facilitates the seamless delivery of both on-campus and online degree programs. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of operational workflows to support institutional growth and long-term sustainability. Through rigorous oversight of administrative departments, Marc Fowler maintains the structural integrity of the university. Ultimately, the Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer drives the operational success necessary for the university to fulfill the academic and spiritual goals of the student body.

    Joseph Stowell - President

    Joseph Stowell, the President at Cornerstone University, provides the primary vision and spiritual leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with the core Christian worldview, the President ensures that the university remains true to the mission of preparing graduates for ethical leadership. Stowell directs the strategic outreach efforts that connect the university with broader communities, fostering partnerships that expand the reach of the institution's educational impact. By engaging with faculty, students, and donors, the President cultivates an environment conducive to both intellectual and spiritual growth. This leadership role involves setting the long-term trajectory for the university's academic offerings and institutional culture. Through consistent advocacy for the university's values, Joseph Stowell maintains the integrity of the educational experience. Ultimately, the President drives the overarching mission of the institution, ensuring that every degree program equips students to influence the world through faith-based professional success.
    Joseph Stowell

    Yochanan Williams - President, International

    Yochanan Williams, the President, International at Cornerstone University, directs the expansion of the institution's global footprint and cross-cultural academic initiatives. Overseeing international partnerships and the recruitment of a diverse student body, the President, International ensures that the university's Christ-centered education reaches students across various global regions. Williams manages the development of international programs that integrate the university's core values into diverse cultural contexts. By fostering relationships with global educational institutions, the President, International facilitates collaborative research and exchange opportunities that broaden the academic perspective of the university. This leadership role involves navigating complex international regulations and market dynamics to ensure the successful delivery of degree programs abroad. Through the strategic growth of international operations, Yochanan Williams enhances the global influence of the institution. Ultimately, the President, International drives the university's mission to prepare graduates for leadership in an increasingly interconnected and globalized professional landscape.

    Rebecca Cooper - President

    Rebecca Cooper, the President at Cornerstone University, leads the institutional efforts to enhance academic quality and student engagement. Overseeing the development of new degree programs and the refinement of existing curricula, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of higher education. Cooper directs the implementation of student-centered initiatives that promote both professional success and ethical development. By collaborating with academic deans and department heads, the President fosters a culture of excellence that supports the university's mission. This leadership role involves managing the university's reputation and ensuring that all educational offerings meet the highest accreditation standards. Through the strategic oversight of academic affairs, Rebecca Cooper maintains the institution's commitment to a comprehensive education. Ultimately, the President drives the continuous improvement of the university's academic programs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to influence their respective fields through a strong foundation of faith and knowledge.

    Gerson Moreno-Riano - President

    Gerson Moreno-Riano, the President at Cornerstone University, directs the strategic planning and institutional advancement efforts that define the university's future. Overseeing the alignment of academic research with the institution's Christian worldview, the President ensures that the university contributes meaningfully to both the academic community and the broader society. Moreno-Riano manages the cultivation of donor relationships and the expansion of institutional resources to support student scholarships and faculty development. By championing the university's mission in public forums, the President strengthens the institution's market position as a premier choice for faith-based education. This leadership role involves guiding the university through complex educational challenges while maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability. Through the strategic direction of institutional priorities, Gerson Moreno-Riano upholds the university's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, the President drives the growth and development of the institution, ensuring that graduates are equipped for impactful professional leadership.
    Gerson Moreno-Riano

    Rex Rogers - President

    Rex Rogers, the President at Cornerstone University, oversees the preservation of the institution's core values and the promotion of its unique educational philosophy. Directing the efforts to integrate faith and learning across all degree programs, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in Christ-centered higher education. Rogers manages the institutional communication strategy, articulating the university's mission to prospective students, alumni, and the public. By fostering a supportive campus environment, the President encourages the holistic development of every student. This leadership role involves maintaining the university's historical legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of the modern educational landscape. Through the consistent application of the university's guiding principles, Rex Rogers ensures that the institution remains true to its foundational goals. Ultimately, the President drives the university's commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to influence the world through professional success and ethical leadership.
    Rex Rogers

    Michael Rohwer - Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer

    Michael Rohwer, the Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer at Cornerstone University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire academic community. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems and secure data networks, the Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for modern education. Rohwer directs the implementation of cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data while facilitating seamless access to online degree programs. By aligning technological investments with the university's strategic goals, the Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer enhances the overall digital experience for the campus population. This leadership role involves managing complex IT projects that improve administrative efficiency and classroom connectivity. Through the continuous modernization of information systems, Michael Rohwer supports the university's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, the Vice President, Information Systems & Chief Information Officer drives the technological advancements that sustain the institution's competitive position in the higher education market.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornerstone University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornerstone University?
    Cornerstone University is led by Dave Veneklase (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Marc Fowler (Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Joseph Stowell (President).
    Who is part of Cornerstone University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornerstone University includes leaders such as Dave Veneklase (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Marc Fowler (Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Joseph Stowell (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone University have?
    Cornerstone University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cornerstone University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cornerstone University includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Exective Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, President, President, International, President.