Office of the President
Meet the President
Dr. Andrew Denton
Our world needs boldly Christian leaders whose lives are centered on Jesus Christ, deeply rooted in God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. For more than a century, Crown College has been preparing these leaders to live out their calling and impact the world for Christ. It is an incredible honor to serve as the 17th president of Crown College as we continue building upon the faithful legacy of those who have gone before us while boldly stepping into the future God has prepared.
When we put Christ at the center of everything we do, every blessing and challenge provides an opportunity to bring honor and glory to His name. Crown College continues to move forward with great anticipation as we pursue the mission God has entrusted to us. The Lord has blessed Crown with outstanding faculty and staff who are committed to integrating faith and learning while preparing students to excel in every career field and fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. We are grateful for students who desire an authentic walk with the Lord that shapes them spiritually, academically, and relationally, as well as alumni and friends around the world who continue to strengthen this institution through their prayers, generosity, and support.
Whether you are a student considering Crown, a parent looking for a college that will strengthen the foundation of faith and knowledge you have invested into your son or daughter, or a graduate or friend who desires to partner with us in this mission, I invite you to be part of the Crown community.
The Lord has been faithful throughout Crown’s history, and we believe great days are ahead!
Serving together,
Dr. Andrew Denton
President
Background
Dr. Andrew Denton became the 17th President of Crown College on July 1, 2021.
His experience in executive leadership in higher education, business acumen, and devotion to Christ have equipped him to be a high-impact leader for the next chapter in Crown’s story.
Dr. Denton’s educational background includes:
- Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, St. Louis University
- MBA, Missouri State University
- B.S., Business Administration: Marketing and Management, Evangel University
Dr. Denton is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God Fellowship. He served as Associate Pastor of Timbercreek Community Church in Springfield, Missouri, from 2002–2006 and as a Deacon and volunteer youth minister at River Valley Church for the past several years.
Dr. Denton’s family background has deep roots in missions and education. His parents were educators (father an elementary school principal and mother a second-grade teacher) in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His paternal grandparents were career missionaries in the Philippines.
Dr. Denton’s career in higher education began after he graduated from college when he served as an Admission Counselor at Evangel University. Within two years, he was promoted to Director of Admissions—a role that changed his life’s course through a relationship with Dr. Robert Spence, Evangel’s president. Several years later, when Dr. Denton served as a vice president at Evangel, Dr. Spence shared that he believed Andrew Denton had a call on his life to be a college president. A few years later, his call was confirmed when during a personal prayer and fasting retreat, Dr. Denton sensed the Lord telling him he would one day be a college president. “I didn’t know when,” Dr. Denton said, “and I didn’t know where, but I knew the call had come, and I just held that in my heart.” As it turns out, it would be 12 years before that call would come. In the meantime, he committed to being faithful wherever the Lord placed him.
Roles in higher education
- North Central University, Executive Vice President, 2018–2021
- North Central University, Adjunct Professor, College of Business and Technology, 2019–2021
- North Central University, Vice President for University Relations, 2015–2018
- Bethel University, Vice President for Enrollment Management, 2013–2017
- Evangel University, Vice President for Enrollment Management, 2006–2013
- Evangel University, Director of Admissions, 2000–2002
- Evangel University, Admission Counselor, 1998–2000
Dr. Denton and his wife, Linda, met in college and have been married for 28 years. Linda earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Evangel University and a master’s in Organization Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a fitness trainer and speaker at ministry events and retreats.
They have three children: Lexie (a Kindergarten Teacher in the Twin Cities), Ashlyn (a senior at Crown), and Drew (a freshman at Crown). As a family, they enjoy spending time together, staying involved in their church communities, and creating memories through travel. Their recent adventures have included trips to Alaska, St. Thomas, Jamaica, the Carolinas, and Europe.
2028 Strategic Plan
A New Season of Excellence + Growth
Brand Pillar
We will target the Christian market in the Midwest with a boldly Christian brand identity and message that is powerful and compelling.
Academic Pillar
We will develop academic excellence and biblical integration in every program to ensure students are spiritually and academically prepared.
Community Pillar
We will build an authentic Christian community and a culture of belonging that attracts and retains on-campus and online students.
