ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Announces the Retirement of President Dr. Joseph Castleberry
Kirkland, WA — ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ (NU) announces the upcoming retirement of its President, Dr. Joseph Castleberry, effective August 15. Since taking office in August 2007, Dr. Castleberry has led the university through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation, leaving a lasting legacy at Northwest and on the broader academic and faith communities.
A Legacy of Growth and Achievement
Under Dr. Castleberry’s visionary leadership, Northwest has grown in multiple key areas:
- NU experienced consistent enrollment growth during Dr. Castleberry’s tenure, with total enrollment increasing from 1,259 to a high of 2,453 before declining to 2,200 after the COVID-19 Pandemic. He also provided steady leadership through the challenging COVID crisis.
- The university launched several new academic programs, such as the M.S. in Physician Studies, in addition to the University’s first doctoral programs (PsyD in Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership). He conceived and launched the highly innovative Creatio Center for Technology, Media, and Design, which uses design theory to wed technology and the arts and offers undergraduate degrees in audio production, video production, computer science, game development, and human-centered design. Graduate programs include the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence and the M.S. in Information Technology Management.
- As a result of the diversification of academic offerings under his leadership, the University has climbed in the Carnegie Classifications from “Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields” to “Doctoral: Professional”—a truly remarkable achievement. Northwest has also ranked consistently among the top 50 regional universities in the West in the U.S. News and World Report rankings.
- NU has seen significant growth in international student enrollment, particularly from China, India, and Indonesia.
- The Northwest Partnership Program (NPP) and Online Learning Programs have expanded access to high-quality Christian education nationwide. The NPP program partners with nearly 100 churches and like-minded nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest.
- The university has significantly expanded scholarship opportunities through successful fundraising efforts. Notably, the most recent President’s Banquet raised a record-breaking $3.4 million, including a $400,000 endowment.
- Dr. Castleberry has authored several influential books, including The Sixth Great Awakening and the Coming Revival of the American Church, The Kingdom Net: Learning to Network Like Jesus, and Your Deepest Dream, reflecting his commitment to faith, leadership, and education.
Distinguished Career & Academic Highlights
A native of Alabama, Dr. Castleberry’s career spans decades of service in higher education, ministry, and international leadership. Before joining ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, he served as Academic Dean of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and spent 20 years as a missionary in Latin America, working in pastoral leadership, theological education, and community development.
Dr. Castleberry holds a B.A. from Evangel University (1983), an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary (1988), and an Ed.D. in International Educational Development from Columbia University (1999). He has also pursued studies at Indiana University, Harvard University, Auburn Theological Seminary, and the Oxford Centre for Missions Studies.
A sought-after voice in national and international discussions, Dr. Castleberry has spoken in over 250 television and interviews on topics such as immigration, religion, public policy, and higher education, appearing in various media outlets and conferences.
Gratitude From the Board of Directors
Given Dr. Castleberry’s devoted leadership over the years, Barbara Petty, chair of the board of directors, expresses the appreciation of many: President Castleberry brought to the university the highest level of academic excellence as an Ivy League graduate and recognized theologian. He consistently demonstrates a life call to missions and his approach to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ was to spread the gospel by expanding the reach of the university beyond the Kirkland campus to the region and internationally. Jesus First, Jesus Always is not just a motto for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ but is an expression of his own life. It has been an honor to serve alongside President Joseph Castleberry during his 18 years at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. We are grateful for his dedication and pray for God’s blessing on him and his family during the next chapter of their lives.
Next Steps
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has hired Faith Search Partners to conduct a national search for Dr. Castleberry’s successor. The Board of Directors aims to identify the next president in time for the Fall 2025 semester, beginning in late August.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ryan Porter
Chief Financial Officer
425.889.6310
ryan.porter@northwestu.edu