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Celebrating the Inauguration of President Deana L. Porterfield
Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary Inaugurate New President, Dr. Deana L. Porterfield
At an inauguration ceremony earlier today at Pearce Memorial Church, the Roberts Wesleyan College community officially welcomed Dr. Deana L. Porterfield as the 11th president of Roberts Wesleyan College and the third president of Northeastern Seminary. Several distinguished guests traveled to attend the event, including former presidents Dr. John A. Martin from Texas and Dr. William C. Crothers from Michigan. The Rev. David T. Roller, bishop of the Free Methodist Church of North America, and Shirley V. Hoogstra, J.D., president of the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities, also were in attendance, joining Dr. Terry R. Taber, chair of the Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary Board of Trustees, and Porterfield’s family and friends from across the U.S.
During her address, Porterfield shared her feeling that there is no greater hope than to make a distinct difference in the lives of students.
“We will be known for transformational experience, engaged service and innovative programs. It’s a commitment to transforming the lives of students, serving the needs of the greater Rochester area and beyond, and a new, creative approach to advance programs. The goal is to meet the needs of students and to prepare them for impactful lives of service,” Porterfield said.
The new president took office on July 1 and has been on a communitywide “listening tour,” meeting with faculty, students, donors, staff and Rochester-area influencers. Prior to accepting her position at Roberts Wesleyan, Porterfield served at Azusa Pacific University and Azusa Pacific Online University for more than 26 years in various roles, including vice president for enrollment management, chief of staff, senior vice president for people and organizational development, and executive vice president. During the competitive nationwide search for a new president, Porterfield impressed the search committee with her commitment to advancing Christian higher education, administrative experience and passion to prepare students who will make a difference as leaders in the world. Since taking office, Porterfield has continued to voice her commitment to the mission, vision and core values of Roberts and Northeastern, and identified herself as an engaging, approachable and forward-thinking leader.
“Today’s inauguration is a celebration not only of Dr. Porterfield’s personal accomplishment, but also the true beginning of the next chapter in the Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary story,” Taber said. “Our campus is physically growing, our freshman class has reached record numbers, we are offering more programs of study than ever before and we are connecting with more alumni. With Dr. Porterfield’s leadership and vision, Roberts and Northeastern are poised for continued success in the coming years.”
