Office of the president
Dr. Scott Moats became Anderson University’s sixth president in the summer of 2025. He was preceded by John S. Pistole, Dr. James L. Edwards, Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, Dr. Robert H. Reardon, and Dr. John A. Morrison.
Dr. Scott Moats brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education, having held leadership and academic positions at institutions including Crown College (Minn.), Bethel University (Minn.), and Southwest Baptist University (Mo.). He has also served as a consultant for Azusa Pacific University (Calif.), and a consultant, evaluator, and accreditation liaison officer for the Higher Learning Commission.
“Anderson University is entering an exciting chapter in its history, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Moats to our leadership team,” said Board of Trustees Chair Rev. Dr. Doug Talley. “His financial acumen, dedication to academic excellence, operational expertise, and deep commitment to faith-based education make him uniquely qualified to guide Anderson University during this season.”
Dr. Moats holds a Ph.D. in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, along with an MBA from Crown College and an M.Div. from Alliance Theological Seminary. His expertise in educational leadership, strategic planning, and financial stewardship aligns with Anderson University’s mission to prepare students for lives of faith and service.
“It is an honor to become Anderson University’s sixth president and serve as COO in the interim,” Dr. Moats said. “I am inspired by AU’s century-long commitment to Christ-centered education and its legacy of developing leaders who impact the world for God’s kingdom. My wife, Sheryl, and I look forward to becoming part of the Anderson community and serving alongside its dedicated faculty, staff, and students.”
Dr. Moats has been recognized for his work in institutional leadership, including fiscal management, risk assessment, and programmatic innovation. His research and publications focus on best practices in Christian education, institutional persistence, student success, and faculty development. His commitment to integrating faith and learning reflects Anderson University’s core values.
President Pistole, who has served with distinction as AU’s president since 2015, expressed his support for Dr. Moats’ appointment.
“Dr. Moats’ expertise, vision, and faith-driven leadership will be a tremendous asset to the university,” Pistole said. “As I prepare to retire, I am confident that Anderson University is in capable hands and will continue to thrive under his guidance. His dedication to Christian higher education ensures a seamless transition, and I look forward to seeing how God uses him to lead this institution into its next season.”
Dr. Moats and his wife, Sheryl, have two adult children, Scotti and Shelby, and enjoy traveling together.
Dr. Scott Moats became president of Anderson University in summer of 2025.
“I am inspired by AU’s century-long commitment to Christ-centered education and its legacy of developing leaders who impact the world for God’s kingdom.”
Dr. Scott Moats
President
Campus Leadership
“I was fortunate to be born into a Christian home where faith was a central part of our family’s life. From a young age, I was in church regularly—Sunday services, Sunday school, and midweek gatherings were simply part of our rhythm. It was at a vacation bible school, however, as an elementary student, that I first asked Jesus into my heart. Though I was young, I knew I wanted to follow him.
As I entered high school, my focus began to shift. I became deeply involved in sports and, without realizing it, some of the first-love principles of my faith began to fade into the background. My priorities changed, and while I never completely walked away from God, I wasn’t walking as closely as he wanted.
It was during a week at Bible camp that the Lord captured my heart again. I rededicated my life to following Jesus, and from that point on, my faith began to deepen. College became a formative season of spiritual growth. Surrounded by mentors and peers who took their faith seriously, I was challenged and encouraged to grow in Christ. That season of growth eventually led me to seminary, where I prepared for ministry and responded to the call to become a church planter.
After several years in church planting, God redirected my path toward faith-based education—a field where I’ve now served for 35 years. Through leadership, teaching, and service, I’ve seen how Christian education can shape lives and equip future generations for kingdom impact. I have seen where education intersects with faith to be a powerful tool that the Holy Spirit uses to transform lives.
My life verse is Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” That verse has anchored my decisions, shaped my leadership, and reminded me that a life well-lived is one that reflects Christ in both action and character.
Looking back, I see the steady hand of God guiding each step. From a childhood commitment to a lifelong calling, his grace has never failed.”
2025-26
| Name | Hometown |
| Dr. Priscilla A. Archangel | Northville, MI |
| Chancellor M. Benbow | Indianapolis, IN |
| Nicholas M. Best | Indianapolis, IN |
| Dr. Charles R. Carroll | Nashville, TN |
| Steven R. Davis | Pendleton, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Martin D. Grubbs | Edmond, OK |
| Donna A. Harman, J.D. | Reston, VA |
| Kenneth E. Hatch | Carmel, IN |
| Kenneth D. Julian | Nappanee, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Mark S. Krenz | Columbus, OH |
| Rev. Jeffrey A. Matas | Fishers, IN |
| Dr. Scott H. Moats | Anderson, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Charles J. Myricks, Jr. | Akron, OH |
| Dr. Guy F. Perry, Jr. | Indianapolis, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Steve L. Rennick | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Jay B. Ricker | Pendleton, IN |
| Kyle M. Schroeder | Indianapolis, IN |
| Hollie L. Sharpe | Murfreesboro, TN |
| Rev. Handel O. Smith | Noblesville, IN |
| Dr. Thomas J. Snyder | Anderson, IN |
| Dr. Beth S. Tharp | Anderson, IN |
| Rev. Jessica S. Uitvlugt | Annandale, VA |
Trustee Emeriti
| Name | Hometown |
| Patricia Seasor Bailey, J.D. | Carmel, IN |
| Charles T. Bate | Carmel, IN |
| Rev. Thomas W. Bates | Palm Harbor, FL |
| Dr. Dennis D. Carroll | Fortville, IN |
| Rev. Dr. E. Raymond Chin | South Holland, IL |
| Rev. Dr. James R. Cook | Carmel, IN |
| Dr. David E. Cox | Brookville, OH |
| Rev. Dr. Robert A. Culp | Holland, OH |
| D. Kyle DeFur | Fishers, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Fowler | Akron, OH |
| Dr. William J. Gaither | Alexandria, IN |
| Dr. Louis E. Gerig | Indianapolis, IN |
| James W. Giesler | Madeira Beach, FL |
| Dr. Jayne A. Grandison | Muncie, IN |
| Kimberly Leach Johnson, J.D. | Naples, FL |
| Dr. Larry J. Lilly | Columbus, OH |
| J. Kenneth Lockhart | Fishers, IN |
| Rev. Dr. Kerry B. Robinson | Anderson, IN |
| Dr. Lloyd B. Schnuck Jr. | Martinez, GA |
| Dr. Lois A. Settlemeyer | Camas, WA |
| Dr. Vernon K. Smith | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Dr. Ralph E. Welton, Jr. | Clemson, SC |
Anderson university Executive Cabinet
Dr. Brent Baker
Vice President for Advancement
Scott Cagnet
Vice President for Admissions & Athletics
Mischon Hart
Vice President for Marketing & Transformation
SUAHIL HOUSHOLDER
Vice President for Finance & Treasurer
DR. SCOTT MOATS
President
DR. COURTNEY TAYLOR
Provost