Following a comprehensive national search, the Manchester University Board of Trustees on Monday, May 1 unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Stacy H. Young as the 16th president of Manchester University, effective July 1.

A member of the Manchester Class of 1996, this is a homecoming for Young.
Serving students in higher education for more than 24 years, Young is currently president of Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan. Her broad array of experiences over those years have come together to make a perfect fit for Manchester.

“I feel like I’m being called back home to serve,” Young said before Monday afternoon’s introduction to students and employees in North Manchester and Fort Wayne.

“I never dreamed I would have an opportunity to lead the institution that started my passion for higher education. Manchester truly changed my life,” Young said later Monday in Montcalm’s announcement.

“Members of the Presidential Search Committee are impressed with Dr. Young’s commitment to Manchester’s mission and values, her passion for putting students first and her track record of leading an organization that stresses the importance of serving others,” said John Gilmore, president of the Manchester Board of Trustees. “She is a strong advocate for the liberal arts and, with experience in managing a two-campus institution, understands well the need for both of our campuses to succeed together in advancing Manchester’s mission.”

Her proven strengths include growing enrollment, building relationships and effectively communicating. 

“Dr. Young has been a leader in statewide and regional organizations in Michigan that are charged with advancing the interests of higher education.  She will bring energy and a love for teaching and learning to her work,” Gilmore said.  

He gratefully acknowledged the faithful stewardship and service of President Dave McFadden, Manchester Class of 1982, who is retiring June 30.

“Those of us who served on the search committee are confident that Dr. Young will hit the ground running as she takes the baton from him on July 1.  We are excited about Manchester’s future under her leadership and the continuing impact the University will have on the lives of future generations of students,” Gilmore added, thanking the search committee.

“Our entire 21-person Presidential Search Committee carefully and thoroughly reviewed each one.  We are convinced that Dr. Young’s knowledge of higher education, track record of proven leadership, commitment to the communities she has served, finely tuned teambuilding skills, and her passion for Manchester make her an excellent choice to be the 16th president,” said Trustee Dave Haist, Presidential Search Committee chair and a member of the Manchester Class of 1973.

 Young received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Manchester. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, and a Ph.D. in Leadership from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

She is Montcalm’s sixth president and the first woman to serve in that role. She will be Manchester’s second female president. Jo Young Switzer, Manchester Class of 1962, was the first.

There will be opportunities in coming months for alumni and friends of the University to meet the new president. 

For more about Dr. Young and to send her a personal welcome note, go to the welcome page.

For the media
We do not yet know how soon Dr. Young will be available for interviews. If you wish to make an appointment, please email your request to president@manchester.edu, and your name will be added to a waiting list.