PRESIDENT
Gayle D. Beebe
Gayle D. Beebe became Westmont’s eighth president in 2007 after serving as president of Spring Arbor University in Michigan for seven years. His inauguration in 2008 featured speeches by Steve Forbes, chief executive officer of Forbes, and Steve Sample, former president of the University of Southern California.
President Beebe's Latest Book
"Here's a vision of Christian liberal arts education so compelling it will make you want to go through college all over again."
- John Ortberg, founder of Become New
"As the authors show, a Christian liberal arts education is grounded in an encounter with the reality of God."
- Margaret Diddams, editor of Christian Scholar's Review
Endorsements
"’Leadership and the Liberal Arts’, thoughtfully edited by Gayle Beebe, offers a compelling and timely vision for Christian higher education. This volume reminds us that the liberal arts, rooted in faith, form leaders of character, wisdom, and courage."
- David A. Hoag, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
"Here's a vision of Christian liberal arts education so compelling it will make you want to go through college all over again. Such an education has rarely been more challenging and never been more needed. These voices are our teachers. What they describe is what the next generation requires if it is to truly flourish."
- John Ortberg, founder of Become New and author of Steps
"Gayle Beebe and his Westmont faculty argue for shifting liberal arts education, from a technique-driven focus to intellectual development infused with moral and spiritual purposes. Through a range of disciplinary perspectives, they illustrate how God uses all knowledge to form us into his image."
- Margaret Diddams, editor of Christian Scholar's Review
"The Christian liberal arts are more important now than ever. In this wide-ranging book, Gayle Beebe and other faithful Westmont scholars across a variety of academic disciplines help us see the world in a fuller perspective."
- Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College
"Westmont College continues to lead the way in illuminating the enduring value as well as the ongoing relevance of the liberal arts. Every community of educators seeking to clarify what is distinctively Christian about their mission should read this book."
- Todd C. Ream, publisher of Christian Scholar's Review
Community Conversations
Westmont College Presents
The Reflective Executive
Tune into this new podcast series with President Gayle D. Beebe.
COMING SOON!
'The Crucibles that Shape Us': Why I Wrote Crucibles?
Westmont College President Gayle D. Beebe explains why he wrote the book, "The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of Leadership."
Media and Press
Discover the latest features and media coverage highlighting President Gayle D. Beebe's impactful leadership and contributions to Westmont College.
Other Publications
An active scholar, Beebe has published numerous articles and edited several publications, including: “The Shaping of an Effective Leader: Eight Formative Principles of Leadership” (InterVarsity Press, 2011). He co-authored “Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion” with Richard Foster (InterVarsity Press, 2009), and he spent five years working with Foster, Dallas Willard, Lynda Graybeal and Thomas Oden to produce the acclaimed Life with God Bible (Harper, 2005).
President Beebe is featured in the Higher Education Digest's Most Visionary Education Leaders 2023.
A Presidential Journey in Pursuit of Excellence
In the realm of higher education, Gayle D. Beebe’s legacy at Westmont College inspires respect. With a career spanning over three decades, Beebe has emerged as a true leader in higher education. Currently at the helm of Westmont College in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, since 2007, Beebe's journey to this prestigious position is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements. Read the full feature here.
Career in Brief
1980 | Consortium Student, Westmont College
1981 | B.A., Liberal Arts, George Fox University
1985 | M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
1985 - 1990 | Senior Pastor, Sherwood Community Friends Church, Sherwood, Ore.
1990 - 1992 | Pastor of Adult Ministries, Rose Drive Friends Church, Yorba Linda, Calif.
1992 - 2000 | Professor, Pastoral Theology, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
1994 - 1996 | Interim Pastor, Glendora Friends Church, Glendora, Calif.
1994 | M.B.A., Strategic Management, Drucker School, Claremont Graduate University
1995 | M.A., Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Claremont Graduate University
1996 - 1998 | Chair, Department of Ministry, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
1997 | Ph.D., Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Claremont Graduate University
1998 - 2000 | Dean, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
2000 - 2007 | President, Spring Arbor University
2007 - Present | President, Westmont College
President's Briefing
We’re excited to embark on a new academic year, our 89th. We look forward to celebrating our 90th anniversary next fall and feel profound gratitude for the ways God continues to guide, sustain and expand Westmont’s mission. While giving thanks for a wonderful season of milestones, we remain mindful of the strong headwinds challenging higher education.
