Rochester Christian University has selected Dr. Reggies Wenyika, a distinguished educational leader with three decades of academic and executive leadership experience, to serve as its next president, following a nationwide search.
Throughout his career, Wenyika has led institutional turnarounds, guided accreditation processes, expanded academic programs, increased student enrollment and diversity, and cultivated partnerships with communities and donors.
“I’m deeply honored and excited for the journey ahead. I look forward to working together as we strive to elevate RCU to new heights,” Wenyika said. “This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with the entire university community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and partners as we collectively enhance the student experience, and foster innovation through a vibrant and values-driven transformative campus culture. Together, we can continue to make RCU a destination for many, from the region, nation and beyond.”
Wenyika served as president of Ottawa University Kansas from 2018 to 2024, where he spearheaded major advancements in academic and student life programming, campus development, student diversity, and international student growth, achieving record-breaking enrollment.
From 2014 to 2018, he was president of Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He guided the university through accreditation challenges, secured a significant donation, expanded student housing, and strengthened international partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wenyika to the RCU family,” said Richard Watson, chair of the RCU Board of Trustees. “His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and student success aligns perfectly with our mission and vision for the future. He is a transformative leader in Christian higher education, and we look forward to working together to help our institution continue to thrive.”
Wenyika earned his Doctor of Education degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is currently pursuing another doctorate in ethnomedicine and indigenous knowledge systems from Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. He also holds degrees from Southwestern Christian University, Logos University and the University of Zimbabwe. He has completed executive leadership programs at the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Oxford and Rice University. In addition to his career in academia, Wenyika is an abstract expressionism artist, holding his first solo exhibition in 2019. He also enjoys poetry, and six of his poems were included in the 2021 anthology, “Blue Guitar: The Sound and Look of Creativity.”
Wenyika will assume the RCU presidency on June 1.
