By Rick Cherok
A recent press release from Point University announced that the institution’s president, Dean C. Collins, intends to retire at the conclusion of the current academic year. Collins has served with Point University for nearly 20 years. He was initially appointed interim president of what was then Atlanta Christian College in 2006 and was named president in 2009.
“Serving as president of Point University the last two decades has been my great privilege,” said Collins. “God’s hand has always been on this institution, and I believe the best years are still ahead. As I step into retirement, the thing I will miss the most is the close-up view of the spiritual transformation of our students. I look forward to watching Point University grow as we continue to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.”
A 1979 graduate of the University, Collins earned a master’s degree in counselor education from Auburn University. He completed additional graduate work in counseling psychology and marriage and family therapy. He returned to the University after decades spent in campus ministry, the counseling field, corporate human resources and consulting. Prior to joining the administration in 2006, Collins had served as an advisor to the University and its trustees. In previous years, he served as part of the University’s adjunct faculty and as the interim vice president of student development.
“There is no denying the positive impact that Dean Collins has had at Point University. He has led the university through some of its best and most difficult times,” said André Kennebrew, chair of the University’s board of trustees. “His vision, his bold innovative approach, and his commitment to Christ has kept the University strong during a challenging season for higher education, and especially private Christian education. His heart for students and for serving the underserved is well known. Because of the work that Dean has done over the last 20 years, Point University is set up for a very bright future.”
Collins is a strategic and creative thinker who will leave a tremendous legacy at the University. Highlights of his tenure include:
- Relocation of the historic campus from East Point, Georgia, to West Point, Georgia, along with name change to Point University.
- Growth in enrollment from approximately 400 students in 2006 to more than 2,800 in 2024.
- Graduation of 5,211 students with associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Launch of multiple athletic programs and the transition to NAIA-level competition.
- Expansion to multiple off-site locations, with the first in Peachtree City, Georgia, in 2009.
- Increased diversity among the student body, welcoming students from a variety of geographic locations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and age groups.
- Creation of the adult degree completion program, which transitioned to today’s fully online degree programs.
- Development of the Elevate program, a subscription-based model which allows employers to provide their employees with a debt-free college education.
- Approval of the University’s first graduate programs in 2017.
- Expansion of the West Point campus to include 15 campus facilities and seven shared facilities serving residential students.
Most importantly, Collins is known for his genuine care for students – his interest in hearing their stories and helping them know Jesus and grow in their faith.
The University’s board of trustees has already appointed a search committee to begin the process of selecting Point’s eighth president.
“As a team, we are prayerfully committed to finding the next President of Point University – someone uniquely qualified to advance our mission of educating students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world,” said Amory Scott, Point trustee and chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “President Collins has been a dynamic and visionary leader for Point University over the last 20 years. While the search to find his replacement seems like a challenging task, we trust that the Lord will guide us and give us discernment throughout this process. We look forward to meeting who he has planned to lead Point University into the next generation!”
Collins will remain in office through June 2025. After a brief sabbatical, the board has requested he serve part-time in the role of chancellor, assisting with the presidential transition, strategic partnerships and other special projects.
For more information on Collins or the presidential search process, please visit point.edu/president.
Rick Cherok is the Managing Editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD and the Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission.
Author: Christian Standard
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