Contact: Jeff Calhoun, Trinity International University, 847-317-8113

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Craig Williford was named President of Trinity International University (TIU) by a vote at the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) Leadership Conference in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The TIU community welcomes President Williford, and his wife Carolyn, as they help lead the university in fulfilling its mission to educate men and women for faithful participation in God's redemptive work in the world.

"After a prayerful and thorough search, we know that God has brought us his person in his timing to be the next President of Trinity International University," remarked Presidential Search Committee Chairman Chuck Thor. "Dr. Williford brings a strong commitment to Christ and the Kingdom of God, along with unusual leadership talents and an impressive track record of leadership in the local church and in Christian higher education."

Dr. Williford began serving as acting president of the university on April 1, 2009, after a unanimous recommendation from Trinity's Board of Regents and approval by the EFCA Board of Directors. An ordained minister of the EFCA, Dr. and Mrs. Williford have been warmly welcomed on campus by students, faculty, and staff, and look with great anticipation to the future of Trinity International University.

"Carolyn and I are humbled and pleased to have the privilege of serving as the presidential couple here at Trinity International University," said Dr. Williford. "We express our sincere thanks to the Board of Regents and the EFCA for determining that God has called us to this role."

Dr. and Mrs. Williford humbly ask the Trinity community to join them in prayer. "We covet your prayers that God will empower us for this responsibility and mobilize Trinity to continue to significantly influence the Kingdom of God for His glory through our alumni. We look forward to meeting and working with the entire Trinity family."

Trinity International University is a private, Christian university comprising four schools and two centers: Trinity College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Graduate School, Trinity Law School, The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, and the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding. Trinity has more than 2,900 students from 45 countries and throughout the United States. TIU exists to educate men and women for faithful participation in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian fidelity, and lifelong learning.

For more information and images, see www.tiu.edu/president or e-mail pr@tiu.edu.