Grace College and Seminary is pleased to welcome Dr. John Lillis as the new vice president of academic affairs at Grace College.

Lillis earned his B.S. at the University of Kentucky, a M.S. at Air Force Institute of Technology, a M.Div. at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He most recently worked as dean and executive officer at Bethel Seminary in San Diego, Calif. where he served since 2001.

Under his leadership, enrollment at Bethel Seminary-San Diego increased dramatically, the number of masters degrees offered nearly doubled, and the school added a doctoral degree program. Before arriving at Bethel, Lillis served Cornerstone University in multiple positions on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“The opportunity to be responsible for the academics provided here excites me more than anything has in the last few years,” said Lillis. “I am impressed with the humble, godly, and dedicated people who work daily at Grace, insuring quality education for the students who attend.”

In addition to teaching, and his academic administrative work, Lillis has served as a pastor in the United States and abroad. He served as a major in the Michigan Air National Guard and as a captain in the United States Air Force as a nuclear research officer. He is an educational consultant for the United African American Ministerial Action Council, a blue ribbon committee member for the American Red Cross in San Diego, and a leader in numerous Christian societies. Lillis will begin his new position with Grace during the spring semester.