CLU Appoints new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

(THOUSAND OAKS, CA – January 12, 2006) – Christopher Kimball, Ph.D., of St. Paul, Minn., has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California Lutheran University, announced the Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes, acting president of CLU.

Dr. Kimball is currently Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., where he has served on the faculty and held a variety of administrative positions since 1991. He will begin his official duties on July 1.

“Dr. Kimball’s distinguished career as a teacher and scholar, his proven abilities as an academic leader and administrator, and his commitment to the distinctive mission and excellence of Lutheran higher education qualify him uniquely for the tasks ahead,” said Wennes after making the announcement to the campus community on Jan. 11.

A widely published author and speaker on academic affairs, Dr. Kimball’s scholarly work is in the field of American history, specializing in social history and the history of sport. At CLU, he will be a member of the History Department.

An alumnus of McGill University, Kimball received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Well known in academic circles and in the ELCA college and university network, he brings a wealth of experience and accomplishment to CLU as the university develops its new strategic plan and makes an important transition into its second half century.

Dr. Kimball’s appointment, coming shortly after the announcement that President Luedtke would be leaving, has been hailed as an important step forward for CLU – one which will better position the university for a presidential search and the implementation of its strategic plan. Dr. Kimball will be a crucial addition to CLU’s leadership team, rounding out the blend of talents already present in the CLU administration,” said Wennes.