The ACU Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Dr. Barry Packer, said the board is deeply saddened by the entry into divorce proceedings between President Phil Schubert and his wife Jamie. Nevertheless they believe Schubert is the right person to lead the university.

In an email to faculty and staff, Packer said board members will continue to support Schubert in his role as president while ensuring ACU’s mission is being fulfilled and it’s heritage upheld. The matter was discussed in the board’s quarterly meeting on campus Friday and Saturday.

“The trustees have agonized with the decision, praying fervently and investing significant time in dialogue,” Packer said in the email.

He said the board has been in prayer for the Schubert family, the ACU community and for themselves to have wisdom and discernment in reaching a decision regarding Dr. Schubert’s continued leadership of the university.

“This is a highly personal matter for the Schubert family and we want to respect their privacy. Our hope is that the ACU community will support the board’s decision while continuing to pray for Phil and Jamie and their children, as well as for the trustees and our great university,” he said.

Editor’s note: We recognize this is a highly personal issue, yet one that has a potentially significant impact on students, faculty and the university, and is therefore newsworthy. Our continued coverage will focus on the board’s conversations and not that of the President’s personal life.