PRESIDENT
Gayle D. Beebe, Ph.D.
Gayle D. Beebe became Westmont’s eighth president in 2007 after serving as president of Spring Arbor University in Michigan for seven years. His inauguration in 2008 featured speeches by Steve Forbes, chief executive officer of Forbes, and Steve Sample, former president of the University of Southern California. Read more about the President.
Westmont's 88th Year
We’ve started the college’s 88th year, and we’re pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges list has ranked Westmont as the top Christian liberal arts college in California and the Western U.S. In the 2025 edition released Sept. 24, Westmont is ranked at No. 108 (tied) among all national liberal arts colleges and remains one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in California. Overall, it’s one of only two nationally ranked liberal arts colleges in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. These rankings reinforce the value of Westmont's classic liberal arts education that encourages students to explore the breadth of academic disciplines as they learn to lead a life of significance that begins with a deep love of God.
In August, we greeted 400 new students, including the Grotenhuis Nursing cohort of 24, for the Warrior Welcome and the start of the fall semester. We’re pleased this group of students had the tenacity to navigate through the FAFSA challenge that delayed financial aid offers by more than seven months. We continue to buck national trends by enrolling large numbers of male students (42%), and we're getting close to becoming a nationally recognized Hispanic-serving institution.
We're In!
We’re grateful for the athletic administrative team and coaches and their amazing work that led the NCAA to waive the third and final year of our probationary period so we could become full members. The NCAA praised our well-organized and well-run process under the leadership of Robert Ruiz, director of athletics, and his team. Our student-athletes, including some in their final year of eligibility, can now compete for conference and national championships in NCAA DII. Please visit and bookmark the new athletics site to keep informed about games and their outcomes. Let’s go, Warriors!
A New Era for Student Life
Last spring, we celebrated the retirement of Edee Schultze, who worked in higher education for 37 years, including a decade at Westmont. We look forward to the leadership and contributions of Stu Cleek and Angela D’Amour, who’ll serve as interim vice presidents for the student life team. We also welcome the leadership of Iyree Jarrett '22, our new director of Intercultural Programs.
Retention Leader Award
Westmont has won the 2024 Pharos Lighthouse Award: Retention Intelligence Leader, which celebrates institutions that “serve as beacons in higher education, exemplifying exceptional practices in understanding and supporting student success.”
The award recognizes the college’s gains made through the Center for Student Success. “Your team's innovative use of Retention Intelligence has set a new standard in higher education,” says Pharos’ Bradon Owens. “By leveraging data to better understand your students, shape targeted strategies, and deploy resources effectively, you have significantly improved community engagement and student success at Westmont.”
How Faith-based Colleges Shape Students: Lilly Conference on Campus
Guests from more than 100 faith-based colleges and universities arrived on campus Sept. 27 for Hearts and Minds: Undergraduate Spiritual and Intellectual Development at Lilly Network Institutions; The National Conference of the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities. We’re thankful to Lisa DeBoer, Aaron Sizer, Christen Foell and the Gaede Institute team for leading this effort to host a national conference that examined the intellectual and religious experience of undergraduates from 34 network schools.
Students Present Their Summer Research Project
The opportunity for undergraduates to work directly with professors on research projects remains one of the hallmarks of Westmont’s academic program. This summer, 35 students from six departments conducted research in the natural and behavioral sciences, and they shared their findings at the Summer Research Symposium on Friday, Oct. 4.
New Academic Stars Join the Faculty
We’ve welcomed six excellent new professors, including Jonathan Diaz (English), Kevin McGuire (economics and business), Sara Morrisset (history), Jada L. Willis (kinesiology), Stephanie Cowell ’04 (chemistry), Laura Drake Schultheis ’06 (biology) and Mike Ryu (computer science). Leanne Dzubinski, the new dean of faculty development and global education, has also joined the faculty.
Going Global
More than 60 students are studying in Europe, England and Mexico this fall through Westmont Global Semester programs. We’ve added five new off-campus programs for summer 2025 to deepen our students’ global engagement.
Hosting the NACCAP Conference
Irene Neller, vice president for enrollment marketing and communications, and her team hosted 450 attendees for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) Conference June 3-5. In keeping with their theme, Mi Casa, Su Casa, they rolled out true Santa Barbara-style hospitality. Keynote speakers included alumnus Dean Wilson ’97 of the Turner Foundation and Goodie Goodloe, a trustee, parent of an alumna, and author. Eben Drost '11 led Westmont’s worship sessions, and the conference featured more than 65 professional development sessions on various topics.
In addition, the admissions office hosted the AICCU regional counselor conference Sept. 19, welcoming nearly 40 high school and community college counselors from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to our campus. Representatives from about 20 private colleges and universities participated in panels and a college fair for these counselors.
Conference Services and Physical Plant Heroes
I’m grateful to Lisa Vincent and her diligent team at Conference Services for their strong season. They facilitated the NACCAP Conference, LEAD Where You Stand, Faith. Climate. Action. A Workshop on Christian Climate Advocacy, IMPACT Conference, Music Academy of the West, church retreats, sports camps and many more groups that made great contributions to the overall mission of the college.
We’ve completed several construction projects thanks to our capable physical plant staff. The renovation of the Dining Commons has received rave reviews from students, and we’ve finished phase one of the upgrades to the tennis courts. The city is reviewing our designs to renovate the property at 29 W. Anapamu and add 18,000 square feet to Westmont Downtown.
Fourth Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization
On a personal note, I’ve just returned from South Korea, where I served as a delegate at the Fourth Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization. Billy Graham convened the first such gathering with John Stott to mobilize Christian leaders to collaborate for the greater work of the global church. This important event seeks to articulate the contours of our Christian beliefs, including the sources of authority and guidance for our rule of faith. I believe it's significant for the college to be involved in global conversations of this magnitude. Here are a few snapshots from South Korea.
Celebrating Warrior Homecoming 2024
We welcomed alums back to campus Oct. 4-5 for Homecoming 2024 and honored five Westmonters at the annual brunch.
Dr. Lauren Brown-Berchtold ’09
Alumna of the Year, who directs the San Joaquin General Hospital Family Medicine Residency
John Bertram '14
Young Alumnus of the Year, co-founder and CTO of OnePointOne
Ben '01 and Alicia Eastvold '04
Global Service Award recipients, work for non-profits GLAD Technology and Your Part-Time Controller, respectively
Eric Knopf ’04
Alumnus of the Year, co-founder and co-CEO of Webconnex
As part of Homecoming festivities, Reed Sheard, vice president for advancement, presented a check to the student body from alums who have given nearly $6.5 million in the past year toward student scholarships, new programs and other areas that support students.
Campus Pastor Scott Lisea and former chaplain Bart Tarman led a memorial service honoring the 35th anniversary of the Potter’s Clay car accident. We remembered the lives of Lisa Bebout, Alan Voorman and Garth Weedman, who died tragically March 27, 1989, in Mexico. Patty Hallock Crosby and Megan Harter Adams were critically injured. Adams, who recently wrote a book about the accident, “Hope in the Darkest Hour: A Memoir of Survival and Resilience,” spoke to the group gathered at the Potter’s Clay Monument below the Dining Commons.
Nearly 100 golfers enjoyed a great day at Glen Annie Golf Club while supporting a worthy cause. The 13th annual Westmont Classic Golf Tournament on Oct. 4 raised more than $20,000 to help students pursue a life-changing education at Westmont. Known for many years as Will’s Tourney, the event began in 2008 to celebrate the memory of Will Wiersma '06. A special thank-you to the Hopper Family, the Title Sponsor. Thanks also to Tom and Stefany Welch of the WIP Foundation, the Raimer Family, Chick Fil-A and all the hole sponsors. Congratulations to Jeff Aquilon, director of IT, and his son, Hayden '16, who won the putter Scottie Scheffler autographed.
American Council on Education
I’m pleased to have been invited to join a new commission of the American Council on Education. The goal of this work is to increase visibility for the important contributions of religious and faith-based colleges and fostering collaboration between religious and nonreligious colleges. The primary purpose is to engage the larger challenges facing higher education and learn how distinctive religious identities can be used to address them.
Gratitude
We have begun a multi-city campaign to visit alums, donors and friends of the college. It has given me the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with alums of all ages as well as prospective parents and parents who’ve sent multiple children to Westmont. It's encouraging to hear again and again how deep and wide is the love for the college.
As I begin my 18th year as president of Westmont, I’m thankful for so many things. But mostly I’m thankful to do this work with you. We’ve faced numerous challenges, realized some real and enduring achievements and along the way born testimony to God’s faithfulness. I’m incredibly thankful for this unique and extraordinary college community.
Upcoming Events
Please join us at an upcoming event on campus or on the road at one of our many alumni events. We hope to see you!
Fall Orchestra Concert on Oct. 18 and 20 at Music Academy and Page Hall
“The 39 Steps” by Patrick Barlow on Oct. 25-26, 31, Nov. 1-2. at Porter Theatre
The Annual Christmas Festival - Dec. 14-15 a t the beautiful Granada Theatre
Spring Opera on Jan. 17 and 19 in Porter Theatre
Women’s Leadership Council Special Luncheon with Henrietta Fore on Jan 24 in the Global Leadership Center
“Ember Trees,” a wildfire art instillation by Ethan Turpin on Feb. 20 in the Formal Garden
“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame Feb. 27-March 2 at Porter Theatre
President’s Breakfast with Condolezza Rice on Feb. 28 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Blessings,
Gayle D. Beebe, Ph.D.
President