By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Just weeks before the board of trustees could announce their recommendation of a finalist to be the next president of Louisiana Christian University, Louisiana Baptists have been asked to set aside Feb. 2 as a day of prayer for the search committee, the pool
of candidates and school.
“I am so grateful for this focus of prayer among Louisiana Baptists for our school as we move closer to recommending our next president to serve and lead Louisiana Christian University in the years to come,” LCU Presidential Search Committee Chairman Tommy Kiker, also pastor of East Leesville Baptist Church, told the Baptist Message.
Established after a vote by messengers during the 2024 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting,
the special day will focus on specific needs for higher student enrollment, continued financial provisions, wisdom for the presidential search team; and strength and wisdom for Acting President David Jeffreys.
Since June 2024, LCU has conducted a nationwide search for the 10th president of the nearly 120-year-old institution; and the search committee has received applications and recommendations from alumni, community members and a national executive search firm.
More than 100 candidates showed interest, were recommended, or were contacted and of these 19
candidates emerged and from this group four semifinalists were chosen.
The committee members include four trustees and two LCU faculty members as selected by vote of
the full board during their spring meeting last year. Additionally, the search committee enlisted the
firm of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, one of the top 50 firms of its type in the United States. CarterBaldwin reports that it has completed more than 200 executive placements in higher education, K-12 schools, foundations and nonprofit organizations in the last five years, many of which are faith-based or church-related organizations.
The committee conducted in-person interviews with candidates in January and hope to have a final
recommendation of the person it will recommend by the time the board of trustees meet Feb. 25.
“It was such an encouragement at the Convention to have a focused time of prayer for LCU and the Convention’s vote to set aside a day of prayer for our university,” Jeffreys said.
“Thank you, Louisiana Baptists, for your support through the Cooperative Program and your intercession personally and corporately.”
Churches may download two special videos by visiting the LCU Day of Prayer webpage.
