Pepper named as successor for President Sherilyn Emberton
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HUNTINGTON, Ind. — During their annual winter meetings last week, the Huntington University Board of Trustees voted to elect Dr. Robert Pepper as the 14th president of HU. Pepper currently serves in the role of executive director and assistant to the president for innovation and university partnerships at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Pepper was selected following an extensive national search assisted by executive search firm CarterBaldwin.
Chairman of the HU board Monte Lightner stated, “The Huntington University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Rob Pepper as the next president of Huntington University. 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 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, and he earned a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University in 2009.
“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.”
Pepper has served at Messiah University in roles of increasing responsibility since 1993, beginning as a residence hall director overseeing student life initiatives. His early work in student affairs laid the groundwork for his career in higher education, focusing on mentorship and personal development of students. 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 enrollment from 247 to 593 students. His success in this role led to his appointment as the interim assistant provost, and later as associate provost/dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Under his leadership, enrollment swelled to 877 students in 2021-2022.
Messiah University President Dr. Kim Phipps shared this statement, “Dr. Pepper has had a significant impact on programmatic innovation and the development of community partnerships at Messiah. 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 inchurch 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 Major League Soccer with Sporting Kansas City. 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, will graduate in May 2025 from Belhaven University in Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance with minors in entrepreneurship and Biblical studies.
“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.”
The transition between President Emberton, who announced her retirement plans last August, and Dr. Pepper will occur at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. Specific details about the transition will be shared later this spring.