Dr. Ken Cukrowski, longtime dean of the College of Biblical Studies, will step down at the end of the academic year. Cukrowski, who has led the college for 13 years, will return to a full-time teaching role at the Graduate School of Theology.
“My greatest joys have been advocating for you and seeing you flourish,” Cukrowski wrote in a letter to faculty and staff. “Because of the faculty and staff we have assembled, I have full confidence in our college’s success as we go forward.”
Dr. Susan Lewis, provost and vice president for academic affairs, told CBS faculty in a letter that she recognized Cukrowski’s contributions to the community and emphasized the importance of the search to fill the position.
“I am grateful for Ken’s hard work, integrity, and heart for service,” she said. “He has been an important voice on the Deans Council, and he has set a strong foundation for the future of the college.”
The search for Cukrowski’s successor will be led by Dr. James Wiser, the dean of library services and educational technology, who will chair the search committee. The committee will be composed of faculty from the college and will conduct a national search for the next dean over the next year.
“This position supports the lifeblood of ACU because all students take biblical courses, and the dean sets the theological tone for the future of ACU,” Wiser said. “We’re looking for someone who can maintain academic quality and foster strong relationships with churches outside of ACU.”
Furthermore, ACU’s commitment to the school’s Church of Christ background is vital to this role he said.
“We want somebody who can have credibility with our religious constituency, which for us is our Churches of Christ, and making sure that that person is trusted and that they have a good relationship with churches so that our students can get jobs in ministry,” Wiser said.
In the meantime, Dr. Carson Reed, who currently leads the Graduate School of Theology as dean, will serve as interim dean through the next spring semester – a possible yearlong recruitment process concluding in fall 2026.
As ACU moves into this vital transition phase, Lewis stressed that the university will take the time needed to find the right candidate.
“We need to be sure that we have the right person in that role,” she said. “This role is crucial not only to our students but also to the broader church community.”
