Greenville College Graduates Accept Recent Appointments in Higher Education

Published: April 13, 2021

Six Greenville College alumni have made news in recent months by assuming roles in higher education administration. They represent faith-based and public institutions with enrollments ranging from 1,900 to 5,000 students. All are veteran administrators.

• Rick Stephens 77 joined the administrative team at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. A seasoned chief academic officer, Stephens most recently served as provost at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
• Randy Bergen 84, (pictured, at left) former provost and acting president at Greenville College, now serves as executive assistant to the president at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. In announcing Bergens appointment, Bethels President Jay Barnes commended Bergens experience and expertise in communication, conflict resolution and assessment in addition to his heart for Christian higher education.
• Donald Easton-Brooks 88 has been appointed dean of the colleges of business and education at Eastern Oregon University (EOU). He comes to EOU from Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN, where he served as associate dean of education and associate professor. Easton-Brooks holds his doctorate in educational leadership and innovation and a masters in early childhood special education. He is also the founder and current president of Stats America, a consulting firm that ensures colleges of business and education have strong data-driven systems in place.
• Matt Osborne 83, former vice president for enrollment at Spring Arbor University, has been named vice president for client service and marketing for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) Association. The LRAP Association partners with colleges to ensure a safety net for alumni in repaying their student loans. Osborne previously served 30 years in Christian higher education, including eight at Greenville College.
• Brent Ellis 92 now serves as Spring Arbor Universitys 30th president. Ellis previously served as SAUs vice president for university advancement. He holds a masters of ministry degree from Bethel College, a masters of divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of education from Indiana University.
• Gerald Bates 55, bishop emeritus of the Free Methodist Church, serves as transitional leader for Hope Africa University in Burundi while the university searches for a new rector. The universitys founder and rector, Bishop Elie Buconyori, died unexpectedly this spring. Bates served in Burundi as a missionary for many years and has supported the university in various ways since its inception. Hope Africa University serves over 5,000 students.