Supporting Statements

Presidential Search Committee

Dr. Voyles loves the Lord, exhibits a strong, yet humble, Christian character, is an excellent thinker and articulate communicator, knows our constituencies, and has demonstrated the ability to hire and effectively manage a team.

Duncan Highmark
Church Administrator, Trinity Church in Kirkwood
Retired VP of Research and Marketing, Purina Mills
Trustee, Covenant College Board
Presidential Insights

Dr. Voyles is quiet but resolute. He is decisive but always ready to listen. He is a man of deep integrity who will hold fast to his convictions. He is careful but bold, and he embraces Covenant’s mission to provide a rigorous, Christ-centered education grounded in Reformed theology. He is generous and kind. He is always the first one to say thank you, and he applauds others for work that often goes unnoticed. His quiet, faithful example is reshaping the culture of those around him. He is a true servant leader.

Sarina Sharp ’08
Risk Manager, Ag Business Solutions
Trustee, Covenant College Foundation
Women’s Advisor, Covenant College Board

I originally thought it was important for us to pursue someone outside the traditional profile with a strong business background experienced in leading a team to accomplish both financial and operational goals. However, as we dug into the roughly 40 applicants over several months, and as I was able to observe Brad in action as our interim president, he started to rise to the top. It became very apparent that Brad is decisive and that the cabinet is enthusiastic about his leadership style. He understands Covenant and the challenges we face and can articulate in a clear, concise, compelling way why Covenant is worth fighting for and what that looks like.

Sam Smartt
Rivermill Group
Trustee, Covenant College Foundation
Trustee, Covenant College Board
Covenant Alumni Parent and Student Grandparent

Dr. Voyles is deeply committed to the scriptures and to leading consistently with a Christian worldview. He envisions an excellent academic program, practical outcomes, and a first-rate student experience that will make our students the best marketers to future students who want a similar experience.

Craig Wood
Retired Partner, McGuireWoods
Former Chair, Covenant College Foundation
Former Chair, Covenant College Board
Covenant Alumni Parent

Dr. Voyles is a strong churchman and will lead the college, faculty, staff, and students with a spiritual strength that is rooted in the Word of God and the PCA Confessions. Brad has a unique mix of humility and courage that will provide him with the ability to listen and lead Covenant College as the next president.

Drew Jelgerhuis
Business Development Manager, SCHERDEL Medtec North America
Trustee, Covenant College Board
Covenant Alumni Parent

Not only does Dr. Voyles have a great love for the college and a deep knowledge of it, but he is also invested in stewarding its growth, in not letting it become stagnant. Dr. Voyles is very invested in creating a healthy culture among the faculty and staff at Covenant, a culture where voices are valued, accomplishments are celebrated, and people are encouraged and equipped to reach their goals. It became clear, through the search process, just how ready so many people at Covenant were to follow his leadership. There were cheers in the halls of Carter when the announcement email went out.

Dr. Sarah Huffines
Associate Professor of English and Writing Center Director, Covenant College
Faculty Moderator, Covenant College Board

I spent six years serving on the board of trustees, and after just about every meeting, I left being very impressed by Brad. He was always clear and certain with his messaging to the board and inspired confidence in his efforts. He is a decisive leader of great character and grounds his thinking and vision in scripture. Brad knows Covenant College on a deep level and is wired to see Christ honored through the work of the school.

Rev. Ralph Kelley ’89
Director of Constituent Relations, Covenant College
Covenant Alumni Parent