Taylor University Executive and Leadership Team

Eugene Habecker, the President Emeritus at Taylor University, provides historical perspective and strategic counsel to the current leadership team. Maintaining a focus on the long-term vision of the institution, the President Emeritus supports the advancement of the university's mission through mentorship and external engagement. This role involves representing the university in broader academic circles and fostering relationships that benefit the institution's reputation. By leveraging extensive experience in higher education, Eugene Habecker directly contributes to the continuity of the university's core values. The President Emeritus also assists in major fundraising initiatives and community outreach efforts that expand the reach of the institution. Through consistent advocacy for the liberal arts model, Habecker ensures that the foundational principles of the university remain central to all future planning. This leadership position serves as a bridge between the rich history of the institution and the evolving needs of modern students, securing the legacy of academic excellence.

David VanDyke, the Aide To the President at Taylor University, manages the executive schedule and facilitates critical communications for the office of the president. Overseeing the logistical requirements of presidential engagements, the Aide To the President ensures that the leadership team remains focused on strategic priorities. This role involves coordinating meetings with board members, faculty, and external partners to advance the university's mission. By providing administrative support and managing sensitive information, David VanDyke directly impacts the efficiency of the executive office. The Aide To the President also assists in the preparation of reports and presentations that define the institutional direction. Through careful management of presidential time and resources, VanDyke supports the effective execution of university policies. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the institution's goals and a commitment to maintaining the high standards of service that characterize the university's approach to Christian higher education.

Dray Caldwell, the Presidential Fellow - Office of the President at Taylor University, conducts research and analysis to support the development of new institutional initiatives. Overseeing special projects that address emerging trends in higher education, the Presidential Fellow - Office of the President ensures that the university remains responsive to the needs of students and the broader community. This role involves collaborating with various departments to gather data and synthesize findings for the executive team. By providing actionable insights, Dray Caldwell directly contributes to the strategic planning process. The Presidential Fellow - Office of the President also assists in the implementation of programs that enhance the student experience and promote academic growth. Through rigorous evaluation of current practices, Caldwell helps identify opportunities for innovation within the liberal arts framework. This leadership position plays a vital role in preparing the university for future challenges while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the core mission of developing servant-leaders.

Christopher Jones, the Vice President, Chief of Staff and Chief Information Officer at Taylor University, directs the integration of administrative strategy with advanced technological infrastructure. Overseeing the digital transformation of campus systems, the Vice President, Chief of Staff and Chief Information Officer ensures that academic resources remain accessible to students across diverse learning modalities. This leadership role involves managing complex data security protocols while aligning information technology initiatives with the broader mission of the institution. By optimizing internal workflows and communication channels, Christopher Jones directly impacts the operational efficiency of the university. Furthermore, the Vice President, Chief of Staff and Chief Information Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to support the long-term growth of the institution. Jones maintains a focus on scalable solutions that enhance the educational experience for undergraduate and graduate learners within the competitive landscape of Christian liberal arts higher education.

Noah Ross, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Taylor University, manages the daily operational flow within the executive office to ensure alignment with institutional goals. Facilitating communication between departments, the Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates high-level projects that support the university's commitment to academic excellence. This role involves monitoring progress on strategic initiatives and preparing briefings for senior leadership to maintain organizational focus. By streamlining administrative processes, Noah Ross directly contributes to the effectiveness of the presidential office. The Deputy Chief of Staff also collaborates with various campus stakeholders to implement policies that foster a Christ-centered community. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving, Ross secures the stability of internal operations. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the high standards of service and personal growth that define the student experience at the university, ensuring that all administrative functions support the overarching mission of developing servant-leaders.

Colby Burke, the Chief People Officer at Taylor University, architects the human capital strategy to attract and retain faculty and staff dedicated to the institution's mission. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the core values of the university. This leadership role involves designing programs that promote employee engagement and support the personal growth of the entire campus community. By fostering an environment of excellence and service, Colby Burke directly impacts the quality of instruction and student support services. The Chief People Officer also manages complex human resources policies to ensure compliance and equity across all departments. Through strategic workforce planning, Burke strengthens the institutional capacity to serve a diverse range of students. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer drives the cultural health of the organization, ensuring that every staff member contributes effectively to the success of the liberal arts programs.