To Our Dear Friends at Seattle Pacific,

Late yesterday I sent a letter to Dennis Weibling, chair of our Board of Trustees, informing him of my decision to step down from my role as President of Seattle Pacific University effective July 1, 2012. For everything there is a season, the Scriptures tell us, and for Sharon and me this wonderful season in our lives draws to a close. For so many good reasons, both in our lives and the life of the University, we have concluded this is the right time.

We leave at a time when the University is strong and flourishing. Our enrollment numbers are exploding off the charts. Our reputation in our region and across the nation is very strong; our vision is clear and compelling and desperately needed in our world; our Christian identity could not be more certain or vibrant. On the personal side, I am healthy, full of more new energy than I know what to do with.

There is so much I would like yet to accomplish in the years ahead, but such a good thing cannot go on forever. It is time now to hand over this strong university to the next leader who will lead you all forward into a bright future.

As I have led and listened over the years; as I have struggled through difficulties and mistakes; as I have watched and celebrated your accomplishments — all the while, you were enriching the lives of Sharon and me. You have made us better people, and I am profoundly grateful. I have talked about vision a great deal over the years, because I believe so much a leader should try to lead with compelling, clarifying vision — but it is the people, each of you, who are planted in our hearts and memories as we take the next steps for our lives.

What’s next for Sharon and me? Please don’t mention the word retirement in my presence. I have so many aspirations about the next phase that I am giddy with excitement. I hope to be helpful to the new president in whatever ways appropriate. Out of all of my experience in Christian higher education; out of all of my experience in leadership over so many years; out of the endless hours in my study — reading, reflecting, and writing — out of all of that, I will try to craft a future where I can contribute to the building up of lives and organizations. Out of my experience, I want to be helpful to others.

We plan to open as well a new chapter in the life of our family. Our grandchildren and our kids are at such neat ages, and we look forward to sharing in their lives in more meaningful ways.

The Board of Trustees will communicate soon with the campus community its plans for conducting a search for the next president. As we move through this year, we will all anticipate, with building excitement, a bright future ahead under strong new leadership. Marj Johnson will be handling a press release very soon, and we will be mailing something to our friends and supporters in the days ahead. I just wanted to make sure my great friends on campus were the first to know of our decision.

I love this place. I love our people. I love the vision we have crafted together. I love the rich and deep memories. I love the dinners in our home, the breakfasts and lunches in the PDR, the gatherings in First Church, the intense conversations over things that matter, the amazing times with our students.

But for everything there is a time and a season. Now is a time to begin leaving and remembering. Soon it will be time to enter into the excitement about the future of this great university under new leadership. But please understand, I will be working hard until the day I step out of the office. This is a year to get some things done we always wanted to do. And here is my pledge: I will do everything I can to make it a great year for you. I hope as well it will be the best year of my 16 years as president.

I love you all.