CarterBaldwin Executive Search is proud to partner with the Huntington University Board of Trustees in their appointment of Dr. Robert Pepper as the school’s 14th president. He will replace Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, who has announced her retirement at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
“The Huntington University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Rob Pepper as the next president of Huntington University,” said Monte Lightner, Chairman of the HU Board. “Dr. Pepper’s scholarship, experience, creativity, and above all, his love of Jesus will continue and enhance the legacy left by past HU presidents. We are excited to participate with [him] in the next chapter of Huntington University.”
Pepper currently serves at Messiah University as Executive Director and Assistant to the President for Innovation and University Partnerships. He began his career at Messiah in 1993 as a residence hall director. This early work in student affairs laid the groundwork for his career in higher education, focusing on mentorship and personal development of students.
Pepper’s roles grew to encompass broader responsibilities, such as director of graduate enrollment and student services, where he and his team doubled enrollment from 247 to 593 students. His success in this role led to his appointment as interim assistant provost, and later as associate provost/dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Under his leadership, enrollment swelled to 877 students in 2021-2022.
Pepper graduated with a BA in history from Messiah College, an MS in counseling with a focus on college student development from Shippensburg University, and a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University.
Click here to read the full announcement by Huntington University.
About Huntington University
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian liberal arts college offering award-winning graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in Huntington, IN, in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University has over a century of experience educating graduates who are ready to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. The nonprofit university operates at three academic locations, including the original home campus in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy location in Fort Wayne, IN, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, AZ. Online programs are also available. Huntington University’s home campus offers 18 men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
