Dr. Brian Stogner, president of Rochester Christian University, announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2024, as he moves on to become president of the Michigan School of Psychology in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Stogner, a professor of psychology and an alumnus who has worked at RCU in various roles for more than 25 years, stepped into leadership of the university when he became interim president in 2016. His interim title was removed the next year. Before that, he served as provost, executive vice president, director of the Health and Behavioral Sciences Institute, and chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences.

Stogner said he believes RCU has “great potential, perhaps more now than ever in its history,” and he believes it is “time for new leadership to take the institution to the next level.”

Dr. Joe F. Alexander, Board of Trustees chair, said, “On behalf of the board and the entire university community, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Stogner for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to RCU. His vision and unwavering commitment have guided the institution through a number of significant challenges over the years. He will be missed when he leaves, and we wish him the very best.”

During his time at RCU, Stogner led the university through:

• Construction of the Garth Pleasant Arena

• Development of the School of Nursing

• Establishment of two new master’s degrees and multiple new undergraduate majors

• Acquisition of the Rochester Church of Christ building that neighbors campus

• Selling of 7.9 acres of property for $2.5 million to Pulte Homes

• Creation of new athletic teams, such as esports and men’s volleyball

Additionally, he developed RCU’s open table concept; initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; and other strategic planning actions.

Alexander said the Board of Trustees is engaged in planning and will communicate transition and interim plans to the community in the near future.