Valparaiso University announces that the Rev. John Arthur Nunes, Ph.D., who serves as the Jochum Professor and Chair, will step down at the end of the 2015–2016 academic year to become the ninth president of Concordia College—New York in Bronxville, N.Y.
“In many ways, Valparaiso University is the quintessential institution of higher education in the Lutheran world. My relatively short but high quality experience here has really prepared me for this next opportunity in my calling to serve,” Nunes said. “I am energized and enthusiastic to teach what will be my final courses at Valpo in the spring, an English course and an independent study in non-profit, philanthropic leadership."
The Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair, a University professorship established through a gift from Emil Jochum, supports the study of Christian values in public and professional life.
In this role, Nunes worked closely with several areas of campus, including Christ College — The Honors College, the English department, the theology department, the international studies department, and Campus Ministries. He also taught and partook in other pedagogical activities throughout the academic year.
“I am grateful to Professor Nunes for his dedication and commitment to Valparaiso University,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., president. “While his inspiration and enthusiasm will truly be missed, because Valpo is dedicated to helping students discover that place where passion meets purpose, I understand and support fully John’s sense of God’s calling to this new position and wish John and Monique God’s richest blessings in this next chapter of their lives.”
Prior to his tenure at Valpo, Nunes served as president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, a $49 million global organization, leading staff in 17 countries in working to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering worldwide.
Monique Nunes, M.A., will also depart Valparaiso University in the spring after serving as the associate director of multicultural programs, the co-chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day committee and as a member of the campus ministries staff. She will become the director of the international programs at Martin Luther School, a Lutheran high school in Queens, New York beginning July 1, 2016.