By Danielle Castillo
Online Content Director
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 announced his resignation in an email to employees and other constituents on Sept. 3. In his email, 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.”
Stogner, who has worked at RCU for over 25 years, said he intends to continue his connection with the university. “It is my intention to continue to support RCU financially, and to provide whatever advice and counsel related to strategic planning, new programs, or whatever else would be helpful for the indefinite future,” he wrote.
Stogner, also a professor of psychology, stepped into the 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.
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, DEIJ initiatives and other strategic planning initiatives.
Prior to RCU, he practiced as a clinical psychologist for over 20 years and was a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.
In his letter, Stogner said RCU’s Board of Trustees is engaged in planning and will communicate transition and interim plans to the community in the near future.