WWU President John McVay to retire

Walla Walla University’s longest-serving president, John McVay, will retire at the end of this school year, the university announced in a Thursday, Jan. 11, news release.

McVay became the university’s 23rd president in 2006 and oversaw the institution’s name change from Walla Walla College to Walla Walla University. In 2012, McVay left WWU to teach for the university’s School of Theology, but resumed his presidency just five months later, making him one of only two presidents to serve two terms.

“To serve Walla Walla University as its president for an extended period of time has been the great honor of my career, which has blessed — and stretched — me in a whole host of ways,” McVay said. “Successive senior leadership teams have been wonderful, supportive companions along the way. Faculty, staff, and students have offered both superb examples of dedication to the ideals of Seventh-day Adventist higher education and genuine friendship. Pam and I have found fulfillment and joy at WWU.”

During his time as president, McVay led strategic planning efforts, earned a commendation from accrediting organizations and instituted a budget planning process that improved the university’s Composite Financial Index rating.

McVay also supported higher education across the state, serving as the board chair for Independent Colleges of Washington and worked with state legislators to improve the Washington College Grant and the State Work Study program.

For his efforts, McVay will be one of five recipients of an award of excellence from the Charles E. Weniger Society this February.

The university plans to form a presidential search committee soon. The university’s full announcement is available at tinyurl.com/bdd54ahe.