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Whitworth President Leaving for Job in Alabama

Courtesy of Whitworth University

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.