Taylor President Surprises University with Resignation

Despite the recent controversy over inviting the VP to commencement, his departure is “not related,” according to the board.

Taylor University announced yesterday morning that its president, Paul Lowell Haines, is resigning at the end of the summer.

After three years at the helm of the nondenominational Christian college, his departure comes on his own accord and despite continued support from the university’s board of trustees, according to Taylor’s announcement. Haines—a longtime lawyer, former board member, and Taylor alumnus—cited “God’s new purpose and direction” for his family as reason for leaving. Taylor has yet to name an interim president to serve as his successor.

The news follows a school year that began with the largest incoming class in history at the Upland, Indiana, campus and ended with its most prominent commencement speaker, Vice President Mike Pence.

Despite the controversy over Haines selecting the former Indiana governor to speak at graduation, officials say they do not see it as the cause for his departure. Haines has declined to elaborate on his decision to resign.

“While the two events – the Commencement and his resignation – came in close proximity to each other, from the Board’s perspective, they were not related,” Taylor spokesperson Jim Garringer told Christianity Today.

The news came as a surprise to the student body, who are out on summer break. Drew Shriner, an incoming senior, said most of his classmates are still “unsure of the reasons behind it.”

More than 100 Taylor alumni and family members weighed in on Haines’ resignation on Facebook, most of them disappointed to see him go. Some said they hoped the Pence incident wasn’t a factor in his decision to leave, and others assumed it was and speculated that “liberal ...