AU To Honor Former President Dr. James L. Edwards Oct. 6-7

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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University will honor former President Dr. James L. Edwards at its annual Homecoming celebration Oct. 6-7. Edwards will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award and AU will name the current building that houses the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and Miller Chapel “Edwards Hall” to honor him.

“This is in recognition of not only his outstanding contributions to Anderson University, but also a tribute to Dr. Edwards’ being a graduate in his own right of the AU SOT as well as his service as a pastor for many years,” said President John Pistole. “Dr. Edwards embodies AU’s mission to educate for a life of faith and service to the church and society.”

Edwards served as the Anderson University president for 25 years. Prior to serving AU, Edwards was president and chief executive officer for Warner Press, the publishing house for the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.). Edwards graduated from Anderson College and the Anderson University School of Theology. He earned a PhD in educational policy and leadership at The Ohio State University.

During his tenure as president, Edwards administered several comprehensive capital campaigns raising funding support totaling more than $200 million. A number of major facilities were constructed during his presidency, including the Kardatzke Wellness Center, York Performance Hall, York Seminary Village, additions to Decker Hall and Hartung Hall, a new business school, the Flagship Enterprise Center, and improvements to residence halls and many existing campus facilities.

In his last year as president, he was the longest-serving college president in the state of Indiana.

“A quarter century of service leading a university is such a big deal and one that is a real distinctive for Anderson, even down to President Edwards’ last year in leadership cementing himself as the longest serving President in the state of Indiana at that time,” said Trent Palmer, director of alumni relations. “To honor this man, a pillar of Anderson University’s rich history, in this way is going to be the highlight of this year’s Homecoming celebration.”

AU will celebrate Edwards and the building naming with a special ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 during Homecoming weekend. Later in the day, he will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award in York Performance Hall at 5 p.m.

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.