Houghton Magazine—Spring 2021

The Fifth Presidency | Shirley A. Mullen

Spring 2021

As President Shirley A. Mullen's 15-year tenure draws to a close, take a moment to celebrate all that God has accomplished at Houghton University through her leadership.

The successful completion of the $70 million IMPACT Campaign, the dramatic change in the College's tuition pricing model, the move to NCAA Division III Athletics, and the enhancement of campus facilities that include the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex, Equestrian Event Center, 11-Acre Solar Panel Array and Alumni House, as well as the renovation of the Paine Center for Science, all speak to President Mullen's endurance and lifetime passion for Christian liberal arts education. As you reflect, take to heart these words from President Shirley A. Mullen’s inaugural address that still resonate with us today.

We have a great legacy. We are part of a people called to “fix up the world.” The needs of our world in this time are very great.

With Gratitude—A Word from the President EmeritaDownload a PDF

In This Issue

»Not Afraid

Shirley V. Hoogstra, J.D.
President, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

»For Such a Time as This

Linda Mills Woolsey '74

»A Legacy of Enlarging the Imagination

Jason Towers '97, Julian Cook '13 and Ken Schenck

»For Generations to Come

Amanda (Shine ’05) Zambrano and Karl Sisson

»Inspiring and Raising Up Women

Cathy Freytag

Also in This Issue

Houghton's First "First Gentleman"
A Tribute to Kay Lindley
COVID-19 Update
Houghton to Induct Two into Athletics Hall of Honor
Back from the Brink, She Still Lives and Hopes—The Story of Chelsea Ellis '12

Honoring President Mullen

As President Shirley Mullen’s 15-year tenure draws to a close, you may be considering a tangible way to honor her and her dedicated servant-leadership. A tribute gift to an endowed fund presents the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for President Mullen’s tireless leadership, passion, and commitment to Houghton University and Christian higher education.

When asked, Dr. Mullen shared some initiatives about which she is most passionate. Largely focused on growing Houghton University’s endowment, a gift designated to one of the following endowed funds is an ideal tribute gift and a long-term investment in Houghton’s future.

Make a Tribute Gift
Shirley Mullen standing next to the Equestrian Center at Houghton College
Courageously Living Houghton's Timeless Mission
On Thursday, May 13, 2021

The Board of Trustees of Houghton University hosted

A Virtual Farewell Honoring President Shirley A. Mullen

Watch the Farewell Event

The Perpetual Good Sport

President Mullen has joined the fun in a series of often hilarious videos in SPOT and for the One Day Giving Challenge. Enjoy watching a small collection of these.

About Courageously Living Houghton’s Timeless Mission

The theme and accompanying icon for President Shirley Mullen’s retirement seek to illustrate the ways in which she has lived out her calling at Houghton University and within the larger world of Christian higher education during her fifteen-year tenure.  Like the many Josephs, Daniels, and Esthers she has inspired throughout her career, President Mullen has courageously lived out and reclaimed Willard J. Houghton’s call to “fix up the world” by providing greater access to a high-quality, affordable Christian education.  As an historian, President Mullen has brought a sense of the importance of time and an awareness of those essential values that transcend time.  Her determination, grit and especially her courage have served her well as she has herself embodied Houghton’s mission of preparing graduates who, “effectively lead and labor as scholar servants in the rapidly changing world.”

The icon features the Quad Clock, a gift of the Houghton University Class of 2003, located between the Chamberlain Center and the Reinhold Campus Center.

President Mullen's Suggested Reading

Members of the community have asked President Mullen for her list of recommended readings many times over the years. Now, she shares her favorite titles for your enjoyment.

The Writings of President Mullen

Every month, President Mullen has shared a touching reflection on life at Houghton and the world today. Take a look back through some of those President Reflections.