For over 30 years, Ron Gotzman has been a constant and faithful presence at Central Seminary. His heart for the Lord and his dedication to our students have advanced Central’s mission and reach. We are grateful for Ron’s three decades of service as Vice President of Advancement and are excited to announce Ron’s new role as Legacy Advisor.
Under Ron’s leadership and tenure, Central Seminary has continued to fulfill its mission and its promise to supporters. Ron’s tireless efforts in fundraising, advancement, and church and alumni relations have touched thousands over the decades. Whether helping hundreds of students afford premium theological training or ministering to numerous churches, Ron has touched thousands with the Gospel. He continues to humbly embody the ideal of “for the Church, for the Gospel.”
Ron’s new role as Legacy Advisor allows him to continue supporting the advancement department and to ensure the seminary remains connected to its valued constituents and supporters. President Matt Morrell recently recognized Ron’s vital contribution, stating:
“We cannot overstate the impact Ron Gotzman has had on Central Seminary, making education more affordable over the past thirty years.”
Reflecting on this transition, Ron says:
“I look forward to advancing the mission of Central Seminary and furthering the gospel message around the world.”
As Ron begins this new chapter, we are also thrilled to announce that John Cheek will join Central Seminary as our new Vice President of Advancement, effective March 2.
John brings a wealth of ministry experience and a long-standing relationship with Central. After growing up in southeast Texas as the son of a Baptist preacher, John and his wife, Jeanine (whom he met while serving in China), moved to Minnesota in 2002. John spent 20 years in pastoral ministry. He and Jeanine are the proud parents of six children and nine grandchildren.
John’s connection to Central spans more than 30 years, and he was deeply influenced by the teaching of many Central faculty and alumni during his seminary years. Regarding his new role, John shares:
“My own amazing experience in seminary drives my excitement for coming on with Central Seminary. If I can be a part of providing such training to others in full-time ministry, I will be most appreciative to the Lord.”
Looking toward the future, John is particularly encouraged by the Seminary’s commitment to distance education and biblical exegesis:
“Today’s culture, and the way of the future, is online training. This enables Central Seminary to have a solid impact on pastors overseas and stateside. My prayer for the future of Central is that it remains committed to solid, biblical exegesis in equipping the church for the work of ministry.”
We praise the Lord for His continued grace on Central and for the opportunity to have both of these men serving our Seminary family in this new season.
