The End of an Era: The Fifth President of Anderson University
BY MISCHON HART ’07
6 MIN. READ
As President John S. Pistole embarks on his tenth and final year at Anderson University, we reflect on his decade of leadership as the university’s fifth president. Two points that rise up most prominently from his tenure come from his character—his dedication to following the example of Jesus and being a public servant.
A PRESIDENCY ROOTED IN FAITH
From the consistency and frequency of Pistole’s references to his faith, it is obvious to nearly anyone interacting with him that his relationship with Jesus is active, impactful, and life-giving. It is clear that he has his priorities in order. His humility and quiet optimism have made him approachable and encouraging to many during his decade of ministry within the university community.
Pistole’s presidency has been a walk of faith, guiding the university through valleys and mountaintops. He has led AU through a time where the headwinds of leading a small Christian college are strong, and external pressures have required deep wells of integrity and resilience from its leaders to sustain the mission. In his faith statement submitted to the presidential search committee ten years ago, Pistole shared, “I see my work in public service for more than 30 years as ‘ministry in daily life,’ where I have been called to be the hands and feet of Christ to all I meet, knowing I may be the only Christ they may meet.”
CHAMPIONING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Students hold a special place in Pistole’s heart, and in response, they have affectionately nicknamed President John Pistole as “PJP.” He is more than a figurehead; senior double major in cyber and national security Jaden Soller shares, “PJP intentionally develops meaningful relationships with students by supporting them at activities, such as plays and sporting events. He even will occasionally present as a guest lecturer in classes!” Pistole and his wife, Kathy Harp, regularly open their on-campus residence to countless students, providing a space for them to gather, enjoy a home-cooked meal, discuss their calling, or seek encouragement during their formative college years.
During his presidency, his administration welcomed 5,391 new students to Anderson University. His active presence among students marks his presidency and demonstrates his priority to connect with students, showing a deep commitment to their development and success.
DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Grant funding is crucial in enhancing a university’s capabilities and resources. External funding is a catalyst for growing and strengthening a university’s academics, student programming, employee development, community engagement, and more. Simply stated, grants resource the mission in new ways that might not otherwise be possible.
During Pistole’s presidency, Anderson University has received more than $7 million in grants to fund projects of all sizes. These funds have fueled big ideas at AU, such as building student programming and retention initiatives, creating a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals for workforce needs in Indiana and beyond, and enhancing research-based literacy instruction in K-12 public schools through training our future teachers.
DRIVING PHILANTHROPIC SUCCESS
Pistole’s ability to inspire philanthropy has been a hallmark of his presidency. During his tenure, he secured more than $62 million in donations from alumni, donors, and friends of the university. These precious gifts have funded scholarships, infrastructure, renovation projects, academic innovation, and more.
A generous $2 million unrestricted gift in 2016 from Eric and Sally Blom, the granddaughter of first AU President John Morrison, set the tone for significant future gifts. The “Called to Soar” focused fundraising initiative from 2020-2022 raised $23 million, exceeding its goal of $20 million. Generous gifts from Jay and Nancy Ricker, totaling more than $4.6 million, have also impacted AU, with $1 million provided in 2021 for renovations to Dunn Hall and $2.5 million given in 2024 to resource an initiative the current strategic plan called the Launch 2040.
ADVANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
One of Pistole’s most significant contributions has been his relentless pursuit of academic excellence. Under his leadership, Anderson University added 17 new undergraduate majors, a robust set of certificate offerings, a biblical studies certificate fully in Spanish, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. His presidency has overseen the creation of the Center for Security Studies & Cyber Defense (CSSCD) and the Center for Compelling Preaching. Dr. Courtney Taylor, provost, remarked, “President Pistole has led AU with a deep belief in the transformative power of Christ-centered education. His dedication to the pursuit of excellence— professionally and personally—has served as an inspiration for our academic community.”
Pistole championed the development of cybersecurity programs and growth of engineering programs. He galvanized a vision to create a channel of graduates into the workforce with practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional ethics from a Christian faith perspective. These graduates serve on the front lines of the cyberscape, defending businesses, not-for-profits, churches, and
government entities from threats. Pistole has used his professional network from his former days as the deputy director of the FBI and administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to bring in world-renowned security professionals from various federal agencies and the private sector to engage our students.
Distinguished security and public service professionals have included individuals such as two former attorneys general and two former U.S. senators, plus a former director of the CIA, former director of the FBI, two former directors of National Intelligence, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, former administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), former undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, former general counsel of the National Security Agency (NSA), and others. Pistole’s vision, presidency, and acumen have positioned the university as a cybersecurity education leader for many years to come.
INFLUENCE BEYOND CAMPUS
During his presidency, Pistole engaged in national and state-level conversations across higher education and other key organizations by participating on the board of trustees for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Independent Colleges of Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent Anderson Hospital, and Madison County Community Foundation. Pistole also serves as a member of the Homeland Security Experts Group and the National Intelligence University Board of Visitors. He regularly responded to media requests for commentary on security issues through major networks such as CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and NBC. Pistole has also served on two occasions on the Ministries Council of the Church of God, which is its governing board, and participated in the annual summer gathering of the National Association of the Church of God at Zion’s Hill, Pennsylvania, along with the bi-annual gathering of the International Youth Convention and many of the regional Church of God bi-annual meetings.
Pistole and his wife, Kathy, have a heart for Anderson, and it shows that they have been “all in” where God has planted them this last decade. They are active members of their congregation at Park Place Church of God. Kathy volunteers year-round at the Park Place Community Center Food Pantry to distribute meals to families in need. Her quiet and dedicated commitment to serving the local community has been remarkable.
NAVIGATING A GLOBAL CRISIS
President Pistole led the rapid transition and development of health and safety protocols when the pandemic forced an unprecedented shift to remote education and operations. His steady leadership during these challenging times allowed the university to navigate the pandemic without compromising its mission or values. Pistole’s adept handling of the crisis provided a stable anchor for
AU, guiding it through each uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND DIVERSITY
Recognizing the importance of a global perspective, Pistole has demonstrated a commitment to creating a diverse campus environment and building support programs for underrepresented groups. His administration implemented programs to increase diversity among students, faculty, and staff and has improved the university’s diversity metrics. Pistole has overseen the continuous development of programs, policies, and scholarships to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic population in Indiana and nationwide.
President Pistole recently launched a global outreach initiative to redevelop international admissions post-pandemic and expand access to an Anderson University education worldwide. This initiative focuses on bringing in new graduate and undergraduate students from India and China to our business and STEM degree programs.
A LASTING LEGACY
As Pistole prepares to step down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, Anderson University celebrates a decade of being led under a vision to position Anderson University as a college that is “distinctive, compelling, and relevant.” His faithfulness and service have held the university steadfast through its centennial celebration and prepared it to meet future challenges with confidence and resilience. Pistole’s legacy lives not only in the funding and programs he helped create but also in the lives he impacted through the spirit of humility, faith, and public service with which he led. The university community, forever grateful for his contributions, looks forward to building on his remarkable legacy in the years to come.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.