Moody Bible Institute Names New President
By Katherine T. Phan
Moody Bible Institute introduced Dr. Paul Nyquist (pictured) as the school’s ninth president to students and staff during a chapel service on Wednesday.
The announcement comes after the Board of Trustees conducted a a nine-month search for a new head to the Chicago-based Institute.
Michael J. Easley submitted his resignation last May citing ongoing back problems, which he felt impeded his duties as president. After nearly four years of service at Moody, Easley ended his role as President Emeritus at Moody Bible Institute on Jan. 1 and joined the pastoral teaching team at Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, Tenn.
Nyquist, 55, comes to Moody after serving as president and CEO of Avant Ministries, an international mission agency based in Kansas City. He also brings 19 years of experience as a senior pastor of First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and Evangelical Bible Church in Omaha, Neb.
“Being appointed as Moody’s ninth president is both a high honor and a solemn responsibility,” said Nyquist in a statement. “To pick up the presidential mantle from the gifted men who have preceded me is the greatest honor I have ever received. I am profoundly humbled to be selected.”
The school’s Presidential Search Committee, comprised of four trustees and six faculty and staff members, had combed through over 100 recommendations for presidential candidates with plans to announce a new president by May.
The committee, according to a candidate profile, was looking for a president who could “be energetic, an engaging communicator, a strategic thinker with global perspective, and have a reputation for using exceptional wisdom to affect positive change.”
The next president would also be called to develop Moody Ministries’ “existing education, radio broadcasting and publishing ministries.”
“Dr. Nyquist’s skill set and character uniquely match our search committee’s profile,” said Jerry Jenkins, Moody Board Chairman. “He’s a proven leader, team builder and visionary who also happens to be a theologian. We look forward to many years of inspired leadership.”
Nyquist holds both a Master of Theology and PhD in Systematic Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his bachelor of science in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska.
He has taught as an adjunct professor at Grace University and Phoenix Seminary.
Nyquist will officially assume his role as Moody Bible Institute president on June 1.
Moody was founded in 1886 by preeminent 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. In addition to the college, other ministries include Moody Publishers and Moody Radio.