Brady Bryce has handed over the reins of Summit after more than seven years as the director of ministry events.

During his time in leadership, Bryce has been credited with revolutionizing Summit, the university’s annual fall lectureship event. He refocused the event on students by using social media to start conversations with presenters, brought in diverse speakers and changed the event schedule to fit with class schedules.

Bryce has served as the director of ministry events and the director of contextual education in the Graduate School of Theology, with reassigned time dedicated to events such as Summit. He requested to make the transition to a full-time faculty position with a full class load.

Bryce said he is proud of how he and his team expanded Summit conversations outside of one tradition and even beyond the Christian tradition.

“If I had to tag what I’m most proud of, it would be that women were given a voice during my time,” Bryce said. “That is no comparison to what it was before.”

Bryce said he hopes Summit will continue to be a face-to-face experience and stresses the importance of people coming together.

Dr. Ken Cukrowski, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, supports Bryce in his decision.

“Brady teaches first-time graduate students and is the first face they see from the department,” Cukrowski said. “He plays a vital role in the health of the program.”

David Wray, professor emeritus of Bible, missions and ministry, former chair of the College of Biblical Studies and an elder at Highland Church of Christ, will serve as interim director of Summit this year. Cukrowski said he has full confidence in Wray’s capabilities.

“His greatest gifts are organizing and bringing people together in community,” Cukrowski said.

Students, faculty and staff input on the direction of Summit is welcomed. Carson Reed, assistant professor of practical theology and director of ministry program, is leading campus conversations about the future of Summit.

“Summit 2015, once again, is inviting some outstanding spiritual leaders from across the world to be on campus and present principles from the book of Philippians,” Wray said.

The conversations begin at the end of February and run through May.