News: New Outdoor Leadership Dir.

CCU Announces Outdoor Leadership Director

Colorado Christian University announces that Jim Doenges has joined the faculty as associate professor and director of Outdoor Leadership programs. Doenges will direct CCU's Outdoor Leadership, Camp Management, and Wilderness Leadership minor programs.

A nationally-known leader in outdoor ministry, Doenges previously served as the manager of higher education at Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries where he led 40-day wilderness courses. He is a Leave No Trace (LNT) master educator instructor, American Avalanche Association board-certified avalanche professional, certified wilderness first responder, and licensed minister in the Christian Church/Central Rocky Mountain Region. Doenges has been an adjunct professor of outdoor leadership at Denver Seminary, where he developed and taught several new courses and served as a formal mentor. In addition to serving on boards of several nonprofit ministries, he has led mission trips to the mountains of Alaska, Nepal, Tanzania, and Haiti, and summitted high points on four continents. Prior to vocational ministry, Doenges worked for several Fortune 500 companies as a senior scientist and project manager.

Dr. Gary Ewen, dean of the CCU School of Business and Leadership, said of the hire: "Jim is a pro who seeks to unite theory and practice with the timeless truths of scripture. He's taught at the graduate level and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of business and outdoor leaders.

CCU thanks associate professor Stephen Cyphers for his many years of faithful service to the Outdoor Leadership program and wishes him well in his retirement, which will see him continue with the school as an affiliate faculty member. CCU was one of the first Christian universities to start an Outdoor Leadership program, and the school will welcome associate professor Doenges in his new position July 1.