草莓社区

Citing her exemplary leadership in guiding the university into its second century, the 草莓社区 Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed President Susan Schultz Huxman to a second five-year term, effective Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2025. 

The board鈥檚 resolution of affirmation notes 鈥淒r. Huxman鈥檚 strategic and unwavering leadership, advocacy of EMU鈥檚 mission and core values, commitment to Mennonite higher education, and steely resolve in facing the challenges of higher education.鈥�

Additionally, board chair Kay Nussbaum highlighted Huxman鈥檚 support of greater institutional commitments around diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to build relationships with external and internal constituencies as 鈥渢remendous gifts for EMU and the broader community in these challenging times.鈥� 

鈥淲e are profoundly grateful that President Huxman has accepted the call of a second term as EMU鈥檚 ninth president,鈥� said Nussbaum. 鈥淲e offer to her our unequivocal support and prayers, as we work together to fulfill EMU鈥檚 mission and bold vision. May God, who has called President Huxman to this task, provide her with strength and joy in it.鈥�

Huxman, who began her first term Jan. 1, 2017, said she is 鈥渉onored and humbled鈥� by the reappointment and its affirmation of her service to the university.

鈥淚 am truly blessed to work side-by-side with such a forward-thinking, fully engaged board of trustees and to be surrounded by a strong executive leadership team and cabinet that position EMU to listen, learn and 鈥楲ead Together鈥� around the vital academic, social, spiritual and moral issues of our day. It brings me great joy to serve our exceptional community of learners 鈥� students, faculty and staff who live into our noble mission every day 鈥� and to champion their successes to so many other stakeholders far and wide.鈥�

The reappointment was the result of a comprehensive assessment of presidential and board leadership, completed in the spring of 2020 by an ad hoc committee, chaired by board member Charlotte Hunsberger, and with the services of a third-party consultant firm.

Among an extensive list of accomplishments, Nussbaum pointed to Huxman鈥檚 leadership on a new strategic plan, as well as a new vision statement and revitalized brand launch. 鈥淭hese three key organizational contributions have strengthened and prepared EMU for current and future challenges,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven now, during a time of global uncertainty, we鈥檝e witnessed ongoing growth,  innovative response and expansion of EMU鈥檚 mission.鈥�

Huxman鈥檚 stewardship has led to increased fiscal health, literacy and transparency, including the preservation of positive margin for two consecutive years, Nussbaum said. Huxman has also worked with passion and energy, in concert with advancement division staff, to build investment in EMU鈥檚 endowment and to support other significant fundraising initiatives, including the completion of Suter Science West renovations. 

EMU has benefited from Huxman鈥檚 leadership in strengthening relationships and increasing visibility within Mennonite Church USA and other denominations, as well as with the City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, alumni, business leaders and peer professional organizations, Nussbaum said.

The reappointment brought affirmation from the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA). 鈥淭he university is fortunate to have Susan Schultz Huxman as its president,鈥� said interim director Thomas Stuckey, who is the organization鈥檚 representative on EMU鈥檚 Board of Trustees. 鈥淪he is a person of integrity, a visionary leader, and a person very interested in maintaining close relationships with students, staff and faculty, the Harrisonburg community and the Mennonite Church. MEA staff and board members will continue to hold EMU in our prayers.鈥�

Huxman expressed thanks for the support of MEA and the broader church as she embarks on a second term at EMU. 鈥淪erving an Anabaptist university is kingdom work,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for my family鈥檚 support, especially that of my husband, to this call and I pray that God guides me and all of us 鈥榳hile we run this race.鈥欌��

Huxman has served for more than 25 years in higher education in a variety of administrative and academic leadership roles. She has served as 草莓社区鈥檚 ninth president since Jan. 1, 2017.

A graduate of Bethel College, Huxman holds an MA and PhD in communication studies from University of Kansas. She has earned the rank of full professor.