Roberts Wesleyan University celebrated a new chapter in its 160-year history on September 25 with the inauguration of Dr. Nicholas J. Willis as the University’s 14th president.
Faculty, staff, students, alum, past Roberts presidents, trustees, community leaders, friends of the University, and representatives from colleges and universities across the country gathered at Pearce Church for the ceremony. Together, the Roberts community celebrated the University’s history while looking ahead to the opportunities of its next chapter.
Dr. Willis began serving as president on July 1, 2026. His inauguration provided an opportunity to formally welcome him into the role and reaffirm the mission that has guided Roberts since its founding: providing a Christ-centered education that prepares students to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Looking Ahead While Remaining Rooted in Mission
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the people and commitments that have shaped Roberts Wesleyan while recognizing the responsibility of carrying that mission forward.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Willis spoke about the role Christian higher education can play in preparing students not only for their careers, but for lives shaped by faith.
“There is a difference between learning well and living well. Many students in our world acquire knowledge but their lives remain unchanged. They sharpen their minds while neglecting their souls. They prepare themselves for a career, yet never discover the purpose for which God created them. Such an education may produce income, but it cannot produce holiness. It may prepare one to think, while failing entirely to teach one how to live. To learn how to live is to learn how to walk with and rely on God.”
That vision builds on the University’s commitment to helping students Learn to Live faithfully, and freely through rigorous academics, hands-on experiences, spiritual formation, and a community invested in who they are becoming.
Beginning a New Chapter Together
Since arriving at Roberts this summer, Dr. Willis has spent his first months listening and building relationships across the University and the greater Rochester community. He has met with students, faculty, staff, alum, donors, church leaders, and community partners while welcoming Roberts’ incoming undergraduate class of 2030.
His leadership will focus on strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience, developing strategic partnerships, encouraging innovation, and continuing to invest in the people and resources that make the Roberts experience possible.
Dr. Willis brings more than two decades of experience in Christian higher education, nonprofit leadership, and organizational strategy to the presidency. Across those roles, his work has centered on strengthening Christian institutions and preparing students to flourish in their vocations and communities.
The inauguration was both a celebration of a new president and a reminder of the mission shared by generations across the Roberts community. As the University begins this next chapter, that mission continues: preparing students with the knowledge, faith, and purpose to serve others and transform their communities.
About Roberts Wesleyan University
Roberts Wesleyan University is rooted in biblical and historic Christian faith. Committed to the development of the whole person, the institution is focused on student growth through Christ-centered education, transformational learning and service to others. With 1,579 students and a tradition of excellence since 1866, the university strives to inspire students to transform themselves and the world, and offers over 90 undergraduate, graduate and adult-degree completion programs. Roberts Wesleyan University also has three doctoral programs in clinical/school psychology, occupational therapy, and theology. Redhawks Athletic intercollegiate sports teams compete as members of NCAA Division II. For more information, visit roberts.edu/about.
See Where Dr. Willis is Stopping on His Presidential Tour!
About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.