The Huntington University Board of Trustees voted to elect Dr. Robert Pepper as the University’s 14th president at January’s Board of Trustees meeting. Pepper was selected following an extensive national search assisted by executive search firm CarterBaldwin.
Pepper comes to HU after a nearly 32-year career at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as the executive director and assistant to the president for innovation and university partnerships.
“I am humbled to join Huntington University as its 14th president,” said Pepper. “As my wife, Kristin, and I learned about the University’s rich history and heard from board members and community members about the vibrant, Christ-centered communities in both Indiana and Arizona, it became clear to us that Huntington is deeply committed to developing the whole person. The institution’s focus on helping students view all things through a Christian worldview and preparing them to impact the world for Christ is inspiring.”
“At a time of unprecedented change and societal challenges, it is this unwavering commitment to Christ, scholarship and service that draws us to Huntington University,” added Pepper. “I am deeply grateful for the strong leadership and vision demonstrated by President Sherilyn Emberton, her senior leadership team and the Board of Trustees. Building on the solid foundation they have established, I am eager to begin working with others to advance Huntington University’s mission and continue to foster a Christ-centered thriving, transformative educational community.”
Pepper graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Messiah College in 1992, followed by a Master of Science degree in counseling: college student development from Shippensburg University in 1994. He later earned a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University in 2009 and completed a certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Education in 2019.
Pepper has served at Messiah in roles of increasing responsibility since 1993, beginning as a residence hall director before roles in student programs, leadership development and new student programs. In addition to these roles in student affairs, he has coached both men’s and women’s lacrosse at the NCAA Division III level and served for many years as a faculty member. His early work in student affairs and athletics laid the groundwork for his career in higher education, focusing on mentorship, discipleship and leadership development of students and staff members. Pepper’s roles grew to encompass broader responsibilities, such as director of graduate enrollment and student services, where he and his team worked to double graduate enrollment from 250 to 600 students. His success in this role led to his appointment as the graduate program director in business and leadership when he designed and launched the MBA and Masters in Strategic Leadership program and then later to the role of associate provost/dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Under his leadership, Messiah added its first doctoral degree program (nurse practitioner), launched the Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs and opened an additional site for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, as enrollment swelled to 1,000 students.
“Dr. Pepper has had a significant impact on programmatic innovation and the development of community partnerships at Messiah,” said Messiah President Dr. Kim Phipps. “Huntington University will continue to thrive under his Christ-centered visionary leadership.”
Pepper has been married to his wife, Kristin, since 1993. Kristin has served for the past 18 years as a member of the children's ministry staff at West Shore Free Church. Their shared involvement in church life has helped them create a strong foundation rooted in faith, and together they have raised three children with these same values. Their eldest, Colby, is a graduate of Covenant College in Georgia, where he was a competitive soccer player. He later earned an MBA and graduate degree in sports management from Ohio University and now works in corporate partnership development for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL team located in Columbus, Ohio. Their middle child, Micah, graduated from Wheaton College (IL), where he studied history and international relations and excelled in speech and debate. He currently serves with International Justice Mission, a faith-based global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Their youngest, Aubrey, is a May 2025 graduate of Belhaven University in Mississippi. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance with minors in entrepreneurship and Biblical studies, Aubrey is a choreographer and dance educator and is on the staff of Reverence Studios in Mechanicsburg.
“The Huntington University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Rob Pepper as the next president of Huntington University,” stated Monte Lightner, chairman of the HU board. “Dr. Pepper’s scholarship, experience, creativity and, above all, his love of Jesus will continue and enhance the legacy left by past HU presidents. We are excited to participate with Dr. Pepper in the next chapter of Huntington University.”
Pepper has emphasized a desire for his presidency to build off the work of former University leaders, furthering the University’s rich legacy of Christ, scholarship and service.
“This past spring, Kristin and I had the distinct privilege of meeting with three former presidents of Huntington University (Drs. Emberton, Dowden and Habecker),” Pepper said. “We were both encouraged and inspired by their unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education and their enduring love for the HU community. Their faithfulness has laid a strong foundation, and their wisdom continues to shape the life of this institution in meaningful ways.”
“In recent months, as we have more fully engaged with the Huntington University community, we have come to understand why it is so often referred to as the Forester Family. It is abundantly clear that God is at work in and through Huntington University. We are humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of those who have led with vision, faith and integrity. As we look to the future, we do so with great hope and anticipation — eager to meet more members of this exceptional community, to listen and learn from their stories and to support and strengthen the meaningful work already underway as we seek to faithfully steward the mission of HU.”
Pepper’s presidency officially began on June 1 following Dr. Sherilyn Emberton’s retirement.
Forever Foresters Strategic Plan
Forever Foresters launches a strengthened focus for Huntington University and highlights its legacy of commitment to Christ, Scholarship and Service.
.jpg?h=632&w=632&fit=crop-center)
