"President Williford Brings New Changes"

This article was written for the Trinity Digest and published on March 19, 2010.


Trinity International University (TIU) inaugurated Dr. Craig Williford as the University’s 14th President on Wednesday at the Inauguration ceremony held in the A.T.O. Chapel.

Williford expressed embarrassment about the inauguration at last Friday’s chapel when he addressed Trinity College students, and also on the blog he and his wife Carolyn write together. Williford said he and his wife really prefer the attention to be on God, but they also understand that inaugurations are an age-old tradition, and also an important time of worship. Williford’s hope and prayer for the event was that as those at the event who do not know Jesus Christ saw the worshipping community of Trinity, the message of Jesus Christ would be so attractive that they would come to Christ.

Williford also incorporated the concept of humility into his chapel message last week, encouraging students to have a “posture of humility.” Williford was confronted in college about being arrogant and rebellious, and advised students to keep in mind that there is always the possibility of being wrong. 

“We can be confident, we can be certain, but with respect and humility,” Williford told students. 

Interim Dean of Trinity College Dr. Steven Pointer said he believes Williford is the right president for this time in Trinity’s history because of his past experience as a president, his decisive decision making, and his commitment to growth. Pointer said Williford knows how to be a president given his drive and desire for change. According to Pointer, Williford has brought several visible changes to Trinity, one being his encouragement of the completion of the Waybright Center, as well as other changes that are not so visible. 

“He has a vision of growth for TIU, and he hasn’t been bashful about that,” Pointer said. 

According to Pointer, Williford hopes to increase the number of TIU students from 3,000 to 5,000. 

Pointer said he believes TIU will have to fully utilize the resources and strengths that come from being a university to pursue this vision of growth. Trinity offers multiple Dual Degree Programs that give students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in five to six years, a unique opportunity that may attract more students. 

Vice President of Communications and Marketing Gary Cantwell said that Williford has changed TIU with his spirit of faithful optimism, open communication, and new project initiatives. According to Cantwell, Williford has given the audience a chance to ask questions at all of his public speaking events, even inviting the audience to “tweet” their questions to him at the State of the University address. Cantwell said the clear openness that Williford expresses is a valuable trait for a leader to have in challenging times. 

“He will listen to you, consider your comments seriously, and respond with honesty. You can't ask for much more than that from a leader,” Cantwell said. 

Cantwell said Williford’s vision for TIU is increased enrollment, innovation, and diversity. Innovation may mean increasing the number of Dual Degree programs offered, and increasing the number of degree programs offered for non-traditional students. According to Cantwell, the new athletic teams being offered this fall, the Digital Design minor, and facility improvements are all practical changes that will help bring about Williford’s vision for TIU.

Williford’s communication style has been evident to students as well. 

“Students have had opportunities to communicate their perceptions of the school. He’s patient, he knows ultimately that the school belongs to God,” said junior Lindsey Goewey.