LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. 

Higher Education

LeTourneau University

Michele Charles

Michael Moss

Dan Difrancesco

Dr. Dale Lunsford became the sixth president of LeTourneau University in 2007, after a national search by the Board of Trustees. With an unapologetic commitment to Christ-centered education and excellence on a global scale, he is leading the university's strategic vision to claim every workplace in every nation for Christ.

Several new academic programs have been launched at the undergraduate level, including nursing, civil engineering and cybersecurity. New graduate programs have begun in engineering, psychology and counseling.

New facilities include the Paul & Betty Abbott Aviation Center and the Corner Café student dining hall that opened in 2009, and expansion of the Kielhorn Materials Joining Laboratory and the construction of the new 200-bed residence called South Hall in 2011. Most recently added have been the Allen Family Student Center and Joyce Family Athletic Village.

Lunsford was Chairman of the Longview Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas and the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities.  He now serves as a director of Texas Bank & Trust and The East Texas Communities Foundation.

In 2020, Lunsford celebrates his 35th year in higher education. He was an award-winning business professor and academic journal editor before joining The University of Texas. The UT campus in Tyler led the state in enrollment growth during his tenure as vice president there. Dale and Marsha Kraft Lunsford have been married more than 30 years. God has blessed Dale and Marsha with two daughters, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.

Dale Lunsford

Dr. Alan Clipperton was invited to LeTourneau University in 2012 with the goal of making LeTourneau University a “university of global influence.”  Before coming to LeTourneau University, Dr. Clipperton previously served at Northern State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato.  In his role as Vice President of Global Initiatives, Dr. Clipperton heads all international activities including student recruitment, immigration, program development, retention, study abroad, institutional partnerships, and global service learning. 

Additionally, Dr. Clipperton has founded or co-founded three different independent companies over the last five years across different industries.  His diverse education and experiences have motivated him to explore innovation and entrepreneurship in the international education sector.  This has led to many successful LeTourneau University programs and initiatives both in the US and abroad.

In his spare time, Dr. Clipperton enjoys restoring classic cars and spending time with his wife, Angela, and their three kids (Lydia, Ezra, and Jonah).

Alan Clipperton

Stephanie Bozant

Jonathan Wilcoxson is the current Chief of Staff at [LeTourneau University](/org/letourneau-university). Jonathan previously worked as the Head Supervisor at the High School Learning Center at Guadalajara Escuela del Futuro, A.C. from January 1991 to June 2005. As an educational missionary, they were responsible for the School of Tomorrow curriculum at the private, Christian, bilingual school.

Jonathan Wilcoxson received their undergraduate degree in Pedagogy from Escuela Normal Superior de Jalisco. Jonathan then pursued a career in speech-language pathology and pathologist, receiving their degree from [Eastern New Mexico University](/org/eastern-new-mexico-university).

They are on a team with Kristy Morgan - VP, Student Affairs, Benjamin Caldwell - Provost & VP, Academic Affairs, and Stephanie Bozant - Administrative Assistant to the President. Jonathan Wilcoxson reports to Dale Lunsford, President.

Jonathan Wilcoxson

Gene is Head of School at Wheaton Academy, a private Christian academy in West Chicago, Ill., He is an ordained minister who began his career as a youth pastor and Bible teacher in a Christian school, then spent 22 years in the business world. His diverse business experience includes being a pit trader on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, a corporate trainer and a human resources executive. His last decade in business was spent as president and CEO of an educational mentoring and software company. He has been a leader in various non-profit and corporate boards. Gene earned his undergraduate degree in religious studies from Wheaton College, his divinity degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and his doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. He currently serves on his local church's planning committee, board, and as a Sunday school teacher. Over the years, Gene and his wife, Barbara, have been faithfully involved in their church, Evangelical Covenant Church.

Gene Frost

Dr. Sherry Chance currently serves as the Vice President for Nontraditional Education and Online Learning and as an Associate Professor in the School of Business at LeTourneau University. Her research was a qualitative study exploring adult learners’ perceptions regarding hybrid and online learning. Sherry’s entire career has been in education, with the past 20 years in higher education. While in Mississippi, Dr. Chance was recognized as one of Mississippi's Leading Business Women by the MS Business Journal (2016). She has a passion for helping students to succeed and to discover the talents the Lord has given them. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11.

Sherry Chance

The priorities in the athletic department under Sceggel’s leadership at Covenant focused on discipleship, recruiting, and the pursuit of excellence. The mission statement for the department was implemented to reflect this in 2018. Further, Covenant’s sportsmanship continued to be recognized by the USA South, as the athletic department has been the institutional winner of the sportsmanship trophy six consecutive times. Sceggel also developed and launched the Scots Athletic Club in 2017, which was the first structured fundraising effort of the athletic department in the college's history. Due to the unprecedented success of the athletic department, Sceggel has won a number of national awards. 

He was previously the Associate AD at Covenant where he was responsible for a host of various responsibilities within the department including compliance. Through his compliance duties, he successfully directed the completion of the college's transition from the NAIA to full membership in NCAA Division III in 2013. Prior to Covenant, Sceggel served in the athletic departments at Wheaton College (Ill.) and the University of Louisville. 

In addition to his role in athletics, Sceggel was also the Chair for Health, Wellness, and Coaching department. He was part of the two-person team that developed and launched the Sport Management major in 2015. He has also taught in the graduate school of a number of other CCCU institutions, including Messiah University.

 In addition to his bachelor's degree in sociology from Covenant, he holds a master's degree in sport administration from the University of Louisville. Sceggel also served on the Sport Administration Advisory Board at Louisville. Additionally, Sceggel earned a doctorate from the University of Alabama in Higher Education Administration, where his research focused on the faith development of student-athletes in the context of Christian college athletics.

Tim Sceggel


Dr. Caldwell earned his B.S. (2007), M.S. (2009), and Ph.D. (2011) in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. He joined the mechanical engineering faculty at LeTourneau University in 2012, teaching a variety of courses in mechanics and engineering design. His research interests in design methods, idea generation, creativity, and engineering education have been supported through both internal and external funding. Dr. Caldwell continues to serve as Associate Provost for Academic Administration (since 2017), coordinating faculty development, overseeing several academic support units, and leading a variety of special projects. He served as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from March 2021 to October 2021, when he was appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He lives in Longview with his wife and four children.

Benjamin Caldwell

Curt Fitchett of Kennett Square, PA is a Senior Manager at The Boeing Company. He is a graduate of LeTourneau University earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology/Aviation Maintenance and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology/Aviation Maintenance. In addition to his undergraduate degrees from LeTourneau University, he has completed graduate studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and The Wharton School. Curt grew up around aircraft and is an aviation enthusiast with an FAA Private Pilot License (land and sea) and an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic’s license. He and his wife, Karen, attend Brandywine Valley Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE.

Curt Fitchett

Nikita Mumphrey is a native of Longview, having graduated from LeTourneau with a bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration, as well as receiving her teacher certification credentials from LETU. She also holds a Master of Education from Texas A&M – Texarkana. She is the principal for Bramlette Elementary in Longview ISD. She currently serves as a board member of Sheryll Mitchell Ministries as the Financial Director. She attends Bethel Temple of Longview where she serves as a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school director and praise and worship leader. She and her husband, Johnny, have four children.

Nikita Mumphrey

John Ross of Longview is a retired endodontist and instructor at the Baylor College of Dentistry. Ross received his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry. He has served as a Trustee for ETBU and the International Mission Board for Southern Baptist Churches. He and his wife Lisa attend First Baptist Church – Longview and have four children.

John Ross

Dr. Steven D. Mason joined the School of Theology and Vocation at LeTourneau University in 2006 after spending four years in St. Andrews, Scotland, pursuing a Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies. Dr. Mason's excellence in both teaching and scholarship coupled with his ability to connect with students make him a favorite in and out of the classroom. He has taught twelve different Bible classes at LeTourneau such as Biblical Hebrew, the Pentateuch, Biblical Covenants, Old Testament Prophets, and Advanced Hermeneutics, and he consistently teaches in the university's Honors College. Dr. Mason has an impressive record of publications and presentations in the field of biblical studies, represented in particular by his book entitled Eternal Covenant in the Pentateuch: The Contours of an Elusive Phrase, published by T&T Clark in 2008. He is currently working on two other books under contract with Wipf & Stock Publishers and Baker Academic, respectively.

Dr. Mason has served well on a number of university committees and special assignments. His leadership among his peers was officially recognized when he was voted president-elect of the Teaching Faculty Organization before moving into administration in the roles of associate vice president for academic affairs, then associate provost and dean of faculty. He was appointed provost in fall 2016, and in March 2021 was named the seventh president of LeTourneau University.

Dr. Mason is committed not only to Christian education and scholarship, but also to church life and discipleship. He is a licensed minister and an ordained elder at One Hope Presbyterian Church in Longview. He and his wife, Bonnie, both graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and Baylor University, have three children (Caroline, William and Christopher), and enjoy conducting marriage preparation courses for engaged couples. While in Dallas, Dr. Mason served on Young Life staff and coached athletics at Providence Christian School of Texas. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he was an All-City quarterback and second baseman at Churchill High School. He is still an avid Spurs fan and is serious about his fantasy football. And, if you happen to see Dr. Mason on the street, don't be fooled-it could be his identical twin brother, Lyle.

Steven D. Mason

Patrick is president of Matrix Design, a subsidiary of Camcraft, Inc., in St. Charles, Ill., where he is involved with financial management, strategic planning and business operations. He previously served as superintendent of the Westminster Christian School where he also was the president of the school board. For several years before that, he was vice president of operations at Camcraft, Inc. Patrick has been involved with financial management, strategic planning and the operational details of running a business. Patrick and his wife, Melanie, are active members of their church.

Patrick Bertsche

Terry Zeitlow serves as Vice President for University Development at LeTourneau University. He received his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler (Texas) and his Ph.D. in Leadership from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Zeitlow came to LeTourneau University in the fall of 2017. In his role, he has oversight and fund development responsibilities for personnel within the annual, capital and deferred giving efforts for the university. Alumni and Family Relations also operate within the University Development area. His professional career has focused in leadership and fund development work in Christian higher education and non-profit settings. Prior to coming to LeTourneau University, Zeitlow served as Associate VP for Development at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. Prior to that he served as Executive Pastor at Bethel Church, a multi-site church in Northwest Indiana where he focused on two new church works and helped established The City Life Center, a non-profit ministry in Gary, Indiana. Zeitlow also served seven years at Bethel College as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Zeitlow has also served on two different occasions at his alma mater, LeTourneau University and early in his career spent seven years at Youth for Christ in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and seven years at New Life Church and Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Besides his leadership and administrative functions, Zeitlow has also served as an adjunct professor at LeTourneau University, Bethel College and Dakota County Technical College. He has been a Rotarian, led small groups and discipleship efforts, served on various boards, and has been active in FCA and in Crown Ministries as a small group leader and budget coach.

During his undergraduate days, Terry earned all-American honors in basketball and to this day holds most scoring records at LeTourneau University including career points, single season points, single season and career field goals and career free throw percentage.

Zeitlow’s dissertation work focused on identifying variables related to pastors preaching and teaching on financially related topics. His work is unique as it is the only known study focused solely on pastors in a small, evangelical denomination.

Zeitlow has been married to his wife Jill since 1987, and they have three daughters, Maggie a 2016 graduate of LeTourneau (married to Jason Bass), Mari, a senior at LeTourneau and, Maycee, a junior at LeTourneau.

Terry Zeitlow

James is a consultant and the retired owner and vice president of operations for American Hydro Corporation, a company he co-founded in 1986 to design and manufacture hydraulic turbines for the power industry. The company sold in 2010. He previously had worked for the Batelle Memorial Institute and as a manager with Allis Chalmers Corporation. He is a former president of the Central Pennsylvania Section of the American Welding Society. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in welding engineering from LeTourneau College in 1974 and later earned a master's degree in welding engineering from The Ohio State University. James has also served as the president of his country club in York, Penn., and serves on the board of directors of a regional bank. He and his wife, Loretta, are active in their church.

James Nolt

Don Stephens of Lindale is the founder, president, and CEO emeritus of Mercy Ships; an organization that deploys hospital ships all over the world to bring state-of-the-art medical care to those in need. He is a graduate of Colorado Mesa University, where he was named as a Distinguished Alumni and Entrepreneur of the Year. He was also nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal in 2017. He and his wife, Deyon, attend Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. They have four children.

Don Stephens

Cy Oatridge of Tacoma, WA is the founder and CEO of Oatridge Security Group. He is a graduate of LeTourneau University earning a B.S. in Business Administration. He also completed the Entrepreneur Leadership Program at  Stanford University. He attends Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor, WA. He has three children. 

Cy Oatridge

Wayne Steege has served on the LETU board of trustees since 2015. He is an engineer and program manager for the defense company Alliant Techsystems where he applies his skills in business process and strategy development, cost-benefit analysis, and program planning. He earned his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from LETU in 1983, and previously served on LETU's Alumni Council. Other leadership experience includes serving as a trustee, deacon, elder, and Sunday school leader at his church. He and his wife, Melissa, whom he met at LETU, are the parents of three children, one of whom currently attends LETU.

Wayne Steege

Dr. Jim Mauldin is a native of East Texas, having graduated from Baylor University with his undergraduate degree in biology in 1977, then Baylor College of Medicine with board certification in obstetrics and gynecology in 1981. He opened his practice in Longview in 1985 after completing his residency training that same year at Baylor affiliated hospitals in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He was a solo practitioner until 2005 when he became an associate of a multispecialty group practice at Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, PA. He is experienced in handling the medical needs of women, including tailored bio-identical hormone therapy to correct deficiencies in menopausal women. He has taught Sunday school classes at Fellowship Bible Church and Christian parenting classes in home groups. He has served as president of the Longview Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy. He has served on the board of trustees of Christian Heritage School. He served as chief of ObGyn service at Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Hospital. He has served as a member of the Christian Heritage School He and his wife Maureen have five children.

Jim Mauldin

Wendy is a corporate pilot captain for ExxonMobil.  She has been recognized by the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots that promotes the advancement of aviation.  In 1994 she was awarded the prestigious Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship.  The mother of three, Wendy and her husband Joe live in Texas. 



Wendy Turner

Bob Walker

Wayne is president of Trull-Hollensworth Architects of Magnolia, Arkansas, which offers master planning, architecture, construction administration and interior planning services.  He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in architecture. Wayne is a licensed architect in nine states and has over three decades of experience working as a principal architect in a firm. Wayne serves as the chair of the Magnolia City Planning Commission, and is a board member on the Columbia County Courthouse Restoration Committee. He and his wife, Nancy, are active at the church they attend, where Wayne is a choir member, deacon, Sunday school teacher and director. The Trulls have been involved with mission organizations that have taken them around the world.



Wayne Trull

Merle Stoltzfus of Elverson, Penn., is a general partner for Stoltzfus Enterprises, Ltd., a custom home builder and real estate developer. Stoltzfus has served in revitalization efforts and transportation advisory committees in his hometown area. He graduated from LETU in 1971 with a degree in electrical engineering technology and has served on the LETU board since 1997, serving previously as chair and as treasurer. Two of his daughters are LETU alumni.



Merle Stoltzfus

John is the president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of two companies: Karsten Manufacturing Company and PING, an American manufacturer of golf equipment, based in Phoenix, Ariz. He has managed PING Golf Clubs (PING Inc.) and its subsidiaries in several countries. He has extensive experience in business management and leadership positions. He and his wife, Sunny, live in Phoenix, Ariz.

John Solheim

Mike Schutt is the director of Law Student Ministries for the Christian Legal Society and directs the Institute for Christian Legal Studies, a cooperative ministry of CLS and Regent University School of Law, where Schutt serves as an associate professor and recruiter. An honors graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Schutt has practiced law with Thompson and Knight in Fort Worth. Today he is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Christian Legal Thought and author of Redeeming Law: Christian Calling and the Legal Profession, published by InterVarsity Press in 2007. Today he writes, teaches and speaks on the relationship of law, faith, and culture. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Mt. Pleasant.

Mike Schutt

Jim is a civil engineer and the president and owner of Danjon Engineering in Placentia, Calif. He has been a licensed, professional civil engineer in California since 1987. From 1993-1999, he also owned an investment firm. He earned his bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic University at Pomona and a master's degree from California State University at Long Beach, both in civil engineering. He also has taught engineering at Biola University. In his community, Jim has served as chairman of the board for the Skylight Foundation, a non-profit organization for pastoral and disability housing. He has also been a committed trustee board chairman at his home church.

James Schreder

Rogers Pope, Jr. is vice chairman and chief executive officer of Texas Bank and Trust Company in Longview, Texas. Pope earned his bachelor's degree in finance and financial planning from Baylor University and a law degree from Baylor Law School. He worked with the Dallas law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP before moving back to Longview. Community service commitments include serving as the chairman of the board of both the Longview Chamber of Commerce and Longview Regional Medical Center. He is vice chairman of the Bruce McMillan Jr. Foundation on the Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation Board. He has served as president of the Greater Longview United Way, Rotary Club of Longview, and Longview Area Baylor Club. Other boards he has served on include the Buckner Foundation, East Texas Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, Gregg County Division of American Heart Association, Junior Achievement, Carter BloodCare, and Longview Public Library Foundation. The Boy Scouts of America honored him in 2012 with the Distinguished Citizen Award. He is active in his church, serving as deacon, finance chair and children's Sunday school teacher. He and his wife, Kellie, have five children: Trace, Elise, Will, Sydnie, and Casey.

Rogers Pope Jr.

Larry's work experience has included interaction with the public school system, adult prison system, local church ministry, juvenile justice system and Christian higher education. Prior to his current position, he was the president of Washington Bible College/Capitol Bible Seminary and senior vice president for media and church ministries at Moody Bible Institute. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from East Carolina University and a master of theology in pastoral ministries and doctor of ministry in education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Larry has served as Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder and associate pastor. He speaks at churches and Christian conferences around the country and has authored a book on Christian parenting.

Larry Mercer

Loren Leman is a former lieutenant governor for the state of Alaska. He currently works as the vice president of Michael L. Foster & Associates. His professional career has covered engineering, public service, and resource development, among others. His political career in the state of Alaska began as a state representative from 1989-1993. From 1993-2002, Loren was a state senator until he became the Alaska Lieutenant Governor from 2002-2006. Additionally, he is an engineering consultant and fisherman. Loren has served on many government, community and church boards, as well as committees and task forces. As a native Alaskan, he has worked as a commercial salmon fisherman since 1959. His late daughter, Nicole, was a graduate of LETU.

Loren Leman

Roger is a self-employed higher education consultant based in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He retired after a 37-year career in higher education including 7 years as an assistant professor as well as the head baseball and wrestling coach at LeTourneau. He also served in administration roles at LeTourneau, King College, Bluefield College and Trinity International University. Roger and his wife, Robin, have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.

Roger Kieffer

Kimberly is a freelance writer and community leader in Longview, Texas, where she is active in promoting economic development and revitalization projects for the city. She is the founder of GoWest Longview, an economic development movement to revitalize the western entrance into the city of Longview. Fish has supported LETU students through scholarships and mentoring. Originally from Georgia, she is a 1986 graduate of Bob Jones University with a degree in cinema. She is a member of the Longview-Greggton Rotary Club, Zonta International, Longview 2020 Comprehensive Planning Committee, Longview Chamber of Commerce, and Partners in Prevention. She and her husband, Dr. Melton Fish, attend Mobberly Baptist Church. They have two children, Michael and Laura.

Kimberly Fish

Doug Douglas of Dallas, Texas, is the vice president of Mobility Management Services at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). He chairs the Paratransit and Accessibility Advisory Group and coordinates transportation with health and human service providers, nonprofit organizations, faith-based, medical and similar agencies. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Texas Southern University in Houston and has studied psychology at TSU and medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He has served as an LETU trustee since 2003. Other boards he has served on include Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind and Easter Seals.

Doug Douglas

Phil Burks is the CEO and founder of The Genesis Group, a communications industry service company he founded with his wife, Bobbi. The company provides software that helps manage and operate giant, two-way radio and public safety communications networks. With about 60 employees in an ultra-modern advanced technology building in Tyler, Texas, Burks also has offices in the United Kingdom and affiliates in Australia and Mexico. He is a 1974 electrical engineering technology graduate of LETU.

Phil Burks

Kristy has wanted to work in Student Affairs since her freshman year of college, when she realized what a great intersection of ministry and education Higher Education could be. She served in Residence Life, Career Services, and Retention roles before moving into the Dean of Students and then VP for Student Affairs position. In her current role, she serves on the President’s Cabinet and oversees Student Life, which includes most of what happens outside of the classroom at LETU.

Kristy believes that college changes lives and loves being able to work alongside and for students as they become more of the people God has called them to be. She also serves as President-Elect for the Association for Christians in Student Development, a professional association for Christians working in the field of Student Affairs. 

Kristy Morgan

Carl was born and raised in Modesto, CA

Carl joined LeTourneau in 2002 as a student majoring in Computer Information Systems. As a student worker in the admissions office, he was the lead tour guide and ran the student calling program.

He graduated in 2005 from LeTourneau with his undergraduate degree in CIS and started working as an enrollment officer traveling in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. 

In 2010 he received his Master of Business Administration from LeTourneau.

In 2017 he accepted the position as Vice President for Enrollment services. In his role, he is the Chief Enrollment Officer for LeTourneau. He oversees the recruitment of the traditional, non-traditional, and dual enrolled student populations.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have three kids (Logan, Lucas, and Julia) and live in Longview, Texas.

LeTourneau University

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