Montreat College

Joe B. Kirkland, Interim President

I am honored to be selected as interim president for Montreat College.  I am thankful to the Board of Trustees for their confidence, prayers, and support, and I look forward to continuing my work with my very competent and dedicated colleagues, volunteers, and donors.

President Struble and I have worked together for the last five years, and during that time I saw him navigate the College through the 2008 financial crisis, expand our adult programs, achieve reaffirmation of our accreditation, and personally raise millions of dollars for Montreat College.  I am grateful for his leadership, and I humbled to step into the role of interim president.

We can move forward confidently following the reaffirmation of our accreditation. We have recently launched new academic programs, opened new locations, established partnerships with other colleges and universities, and moved into online education.  We continually strategize about how to adapt to the rapidly changing higher education marketplace, exploring ways to further our Christ-centered mission in the years to come.

Through all of this work and planning, we have confidence that God is guiding us, and His purposes will be accomplished at Montreat College. I take heart when I am reminded of this truth in the Book of Proverbs: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21) and “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Please join me in continuing to seek God’s purpose for Montreat College in the coming months.  He is with us, and He is guiding us every step of the way.

Also, know that my door is always open.  Please feel free to come to me with questions, and I will do my best to keep you informed at every step of our journey. May God continue to bless us with His abundant grace.

Serving Him together,

Joe B. Kirkland, M.A.

Interim President