The Northwest Nazarene University Board of Trustees announced Joel K. Pearsall accepted a four-year appointment as president of NNU. Pearsall has been serving the university in an interim role as president since June 2015.

“Over the past nine months, Joel Pearsall has demonstrated that he is well qualified to lead Northwest Nazarene University,” said Randy Craker, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The board heard overwhelming support for his leadership and for his ongoing work. We are confident that the university is in good hands going forward.”

This invitation for Pearsall to serve as president followed input from multiple stakeholders both on and off campus, in-depth analysis, and prayerful consideration. Members of the board repeatedly expressed appreciation for the time and counsel that faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university offered during this process.

“Joel is praised by his peers as a servant leader who demonstrates humility and integrity,” Craker said. “He has excellent relational skills and is a collaborative leader. He brings a listening ear, a sharp mind, a warm sense of humor, and an ability to make tough decisions. His years of experience on our campus have uniquely prepared him to be a visionary leader who will keep us on mission.”    

Pearsall is a graduate of NNU and has a long history of service to the university. In addition to attending the university, he has served on the Board of Trustees, as vice president for Financial Affairs, as vice president for University Advancement and, most recently, as interim president. Pearsall’s father, Kenneth, also served as president of the university from 1973 to 1983. 

“I am humbled by this invitation to serve,” Pearsall said. “It is incredibly rewarding to work in this community with such talented faculty and staff. My wife, Nikki, and I both experienced the transformative impact of NNU as students. I am honored to be a part of continuing that impact on the lives of students and the community in the coming years.” 

--Northwest Nazarene University