CCU Mourns the Passing of Former President Dr. Joe Wall
Colorado Christian University mourns the passing of former university president and chancellor, Dr. Joe Wall, August 10 following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
“Dr. Joe Wall was a visionary leader that was integral to forming the great Christian university that we see today,” said Eric K. Hogue, CCU president. “His passion for Christ-centered higher education laid a foundation for our kingdom-building mission.”
Dr. Wall played an outsized role in the formation of what eventually became Colorado Christian University. Hired in 1983 as the president of Western Bible College, Dr. Wall oversaw the institution’s merger with Rockmont College to form Colorado Christian College.
“In the early 1980’s I witnessed, firsthand, Joe Wall (Western Bible College) and Dave Beckman (Rockmont College) come together to finally fulfill a long-time dream of many in the Denver evangelical community of joining the two schools together to build a stronger, sustainable Christ-centered Colorado Christian College,” said Thom Scheffel, general counsel for CCU. “Both men were completely convinced of God’s leading and direction in the matter and, in spite of detractors on both sides, persevered through prayer and ‘preferring one another’ to complete the task. Colorado Christian University today rests firmly on the foundation laid by these two men. Joe has now joined his colleague and friend in heaven, and I suspect he is reflecting with Dave on just how God has blessed CCU since those early years.”
Dr. Wall was instrumental in inviting Dr. Larry Crabb to bring his graduate-level counseling program to the institution, and with it came a name change in 1989 to Colorado Christian University following a merger with Colorado Baptist University. Dr. Wall served as president of CCU until 1991.
“Dr. Joe Wall recruited me to computerize Colorado Christian College in 1987 as well as teach as a faculty member,” Dr. Gary Ewen, dean emeritus for the School of Business and Leadership. “Those were lean times at CCU. Joe was my first of many presidents at CCU over the years and he trusted me with some very significant responsibilities. After leaving CCU, Joe never missed a chance to visit me on campus when he was in town. It was an honor to work for and with such a man of God, Dr. Joe Wall.”
Dr. Wall served CCU through several transitions and helped set up the university for future growth and sustainability. He went on to train church planters around the world with East-West Ministries International and helped provide global leaders with seminary training through Grace School of Theology.
“While many leaders usually wrap up their careers being the president of a university, Dr. Wall was just getting started,” said Daniel LaBry, vice president of university advancement at CCU. “He was the spark behind church planting networks and helped in planting and guiding numerous bible churches. Joe shined for Jesus in everything he did and with everyone he met. The legacy he leaves is a standard for generations of CCU students to aspire toward.”
A memorial service for Dr. Wall will be held Saturday, August 17 at 1 p.m. MDT at BridgePoint Bible Church in Houston, Texas. For the livestream, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/88tnCqbFJp0.