Whitworth University President Beck Taylor is taking another job at a private Christian School in Alabama.
Taylor will become president of Samford University in Homewood, Alabama in July. Taylor has led Whitworth since 2010 and is its 18th president. According to a university news release, he will resign May 31.
Before becoming Whitworth’s president, Taylor was the dean of the School of Business at Samford.
In a statement, Taylor said he was honored to serve as Whitworth's president.
“The honor of being considered for the Samford presidency can only compare with the honor and privilege Julie and I share of being members of the Whitworth family,” Taylor said. “We love Whitworth and its mission. We love all of you."
In a statement Brian Kirkpatrick, chair of the Whitworth board of Trustees, praised Taylor’s accomplishments, saying he had overseen a periods of growth and challenges for the university.
“Beck has faithfully and diligently navigated the disruptions caused by the worldwide pandemic," Kirkpatrick said. "His stewardship and forward-focused leadership during these times is a testimony to his deep, abiding faith in Christ and his gifts as a thoughtful and vibrant leader.”
He also said the board would name an interim president soon.