LAKEWOOD, Colo., March 28, 2023 — The Board of Trustees of Colorado Christian University is pleased to announce that Eric Hogue has been named the new president of the University. Hogue, who currently serves as vice president of University Advancement for CCU, will assume the presidency on June 1.
"Eric Hogue is uniquely qualified to lead the University during a tumultuous time for Christ-centered higher education," said Wil Armstrong, chairman of the University's Board of Trustees. "The search committee was impressed at every step of the process by Eric and his vision for the University. As a natural leader and gifted orator, he brings an infectious passion for Colorado Christian University. He is a true champion for Christ-centered higher education."
Hogue steps into the presidency at the culmination of a nine-month nationwide search conducted by the University's Board of Trustees in conjunction with CarterBaldwin, one of the top executive search firms in the country. Trustee Susan Rutherford, an experienced corporate human resources executive, drove the process as chair of the search committee. The search firm and the committee vetted over 60 qualified academic, business, and government leaders.
Hogue replaces Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, who served as president of CCU for six years before transitioning to the role of University chancellor in August 2022. CCU Trustee Tim McTavish, MBA '13, has been the University's interim president since Sweeting assumed the chancellor role.
"We cast a wide and robust net in searching for the next president," said Rutherford. "As we got to know Eric better, it was clear that he should be the next leader for CCU. We stacked him up against the highest caliber of candidates, and he came out well ahead."
Hogue ascends to the presidency as the University marks more than a decade of enrollment growth and expansion. CCU currently has more than 9,800 traditional, adult, and graduate students enrolled at its residential campus in Lakewood, Colorado and online throughout the world.
"I am personally humbled and honored by the significance of the opportunity to serve as the next president of Colorado Christian University. The University is at a liminal moment with one foot firmly planted in our stellar history and the other stepping into what I believe is a limitless future," said Hogue. "Our future embraces and celebrates a sincere Christ-centered higher education — with a passion to be the nation's best performing and most respected Christ-centered, biblically sound, evangelical university."
The incoming president brings a strong affinity for Christian higher education, having earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from William Jessup University.
Hogue brings a deep knowledge of CCU to his new role. Since 2018, he has served as vice president of University Advancement, directing a comprehensive fundraising program totaling more than $45 million, including $33.5 million for the Armstrong Center Campaign. He launched a $44 million Science Center Campaign, established the CCU Endowment Foundation to prioritize the rapid and sustained growth of future resources for the University, and birthed the CCU Fund and Hope Fund, which will raise $1.5 million annually for student scholarships.
"I am thrilled that Eric Hogue will be the next president of Colorado Christian University," said Interim President McTavish. "Eric's high energy, winsome style, and out-of-the-box thinking will take CCU to great heights. He has served the University impressively these last five years as our vice president of Advancement. As interim president, I've had the privilege of seeing him in action and have complete confidence in his ability to lead this University with excellence in every respect."
Prior to joining CCU, Hogue served for six years as the chief development officer of William Jessup University, where he tripled WJU's endowment fund and navigated two successful campus capital development campaigns.
Hogue is known for his roles as a former political candidate; practicing theologian and pastor; and long-tenured radio, television, and media professional. He is the author of The Winning Side of the Ask: The Heart and Skills of the Donor-Centric Professional Fundraiser, a book dedicated to helping nonprofits design a thriving philanthropic culture.
His wife, Tammy, is an award-winning educator who has been deeply shaped by her experience in Christ-centered higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching from William Jessup University. She also holds a multiple-subject teaching credential with a supplemental credential in business. Eric and Tammy have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.
"I am thrilled that Mr. Eric Hogue will be the next president of Colorado Christian University! Eric's high energy, winsome style, and out-of-the-box thinking will take CCU to great heights."
"As interim president, I've had the privilege of seeing Eric in action over these last several months and have complete confidence in his ability to lead this University with excellence in every respect."
"As a trustee since Eric's arrival at CCU, I've seen firsthand his ability to build relationships, cast vision, execute on plans, and make a difference in driving CCU to be a great university. He's a principled leader who has shown his passion and heart for CCU and is one who will protect the core of our evangelical Christian and conservative roots. More than that, he'll bring his thoughtful and hands-on approach to management in tackling the future with all the opportunities that are before us."
"What encourages me most is that he's a deep man of faith in Jesus and is an example of making a difference in the world because of that faith. His energy, passion, intellect, insights, and abilities are just what CCU needs at this important moment."
"It has been a delight to work with Eric, and I am enthusiastic about him stepping into the role of president of Colorado Christian University. With all the growth we've had at CCU, we now need a skilled leader who shares our convictions but also has experience in both the world of higher education and business, who believes in the importance of the traditional liberal arts education but also the value and reach of solid online education. Eric Hogue is that person."
"We cast a wide and robust net in searching for the next president. As we got to know Eric better, he showed up clearly as the next leader for CCU on so many levels. We stacked him up against the highest caliber of candidate and he came out well ahead."
"It will require courage to lead CCU, as well as winsome and persuasive communication skills and an ease with faculty and especially students and parents that can't be learned on the job. Eric has that deep well from which to draw."
"He is absolutely at the top of his professional life right now and superbly prepared for a difficult but doable task of taking CCU even higher still. He simply does not fail. Ever. It takes an extraordinary array of skills to succeed. Eric has every one of them that I can think of."
"We desperately need leaders like Eric to build upon the amazing foundations built by [CCU] presidents Armstrong and Sweeting, and extend the calling of biblical universities to reach and transform culture for the glory of God. Eric and Tammy are and will be model disciples of Jesus who share the gospel by word and deed on the campus and in the community."
"Eric Hogue's excitement and vision for this new role is contagious! I'm eager to see what God accomplishes through him as all of us who love CCU come alongside to support Eric. "
"I feel strongly that the president is the chief fundraising officer of any university. Eric's manner, his kingdom orientation in seeking funds, his goal orientation, and his gracious stewardship of giving relationships will serve the university well."
"Eric gives his whole heart to his work. His faith commitment, his understanding of the challenges of being an authentic Christian University in today's environment, and his passion for service make him a president who would engage the whole CCU community in its important role in Christ's kingdom."
"Eric is exactly the kind of leader — capable, professional, pastoral, decisive, principled, articulate, experienced, and savvy — that Colorado Christian University needs at this juncture in the University's life. I firmly believe that Eric's gift, talent, and experience mix will catalyze CCU to a new level of organizational health, educational effectiveness, and missional impact, both within Colorado and for our nation and the world."
"Eric's leadership and fundraising abilities are exceptional, but most of all, he loves the Lord and loves Christian higher education. He wants to serve Christ and students, and I know he will do so with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He knows how to navigate the complexities of institutions and will serve well."
"As a young professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Eric Hogue was my first star student. I observed him to be a leader among his fellow students setting a standard for excellence in our campus radio program. Two of the things that I remember most from those days were his positive, infectious 'can do' attitude and his love for Christ."
"When I read the mission statement of CCU, I realized that it personified the life and mission of Eric Hogue."
"Eric was destined for Christ-centered higher education from the time he matriculated as a freshman at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It is the place where his vision aligns with his beliefs. His experiences prepared him perfectly for his years of service in which he has stewarded relationships toward biblical generosity for Christ-centered higher education."
"I remain impressed with Eric's leadership skills, his exceptional speaking ability, and his heart for Christian higher education. His passion for our work in Christian higher education is derived from a deep sense of personal calling to conservative values and a Christ-centered mission."
"Eric leads with dignity, insight, and a devout commitment to advancing the cause of Christ and Colorado Christian University."
"Eric possesses a deep intelligence and natural ability to lead. He thinks strategically and is capable of the groundwork necessary to carry out initiatives."
"He is a man of deep individual character and a sincere, biblical Christian faith."
"Eric Hogue is the single most influential leader in my life. At Jessup, he demonstrated distinctive Christ-like leadership through his authenticity, innovation, inspiration, and empathy. In every setting, I walked away emboldened to make an impact for the university, encouraged in my abilities, trained/equipped to carry out my duties successfully, and inspired to lead and minister to everyone I came in contact with."
"Having the privilege of coming alongside CCU's presidential search committee in an extensive evaluation of prospective candidates, it became evident that Eric Hogue's passion and vision for Colorado Christian University are unmatched. His preparation and calling will advance the mission and serve the institution well for many years."
