Portland, Oregon — Multnomah University is pleased to announce that Dr. Jessica Taylor has been appointed Interim President of the university, effective April 20, 2023.

Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Multnomah’s Vice President of Diversity & Inclusive Development since 2018. Under her leadership the Office of Cultural Integration was established at Multnomah in 2018. The Voices Scholarship program, Multicultural Center and various initiatives have grown Multnomah’s vision to be a diverse community that equips students to love Christ and serve their neighbors through their lives and work.

Dr. Taylor’s professional background is in executive leadership coaching and psychology. She earned her B.S. in Human Development, her M.A. in Human Services, and her Ph.D. in Christian Counseling. Jessica has owned her own executive leadership practice for over a decade, and she loves helping people and organizations get “unstuck” in holistic and empathetic ways.

Jessica was raised in the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and is an ordained minister in the Church of God holiness tradition. Due to her commitment and love for the local church, Jessica currently serves on the governing Board of Church of God Ministries.

It is the mission of Multnomah University to equip Christian students through higher education to become biblically competent, academically proficient, spiritually formed, and culturally engaged servant leaders, shaped to be a transforming force in the church, community, and world. Jessica is dedicated to preserving the rich history of service to the kingdom Multnomah is known for while looking forward to sharing the love of Christ with this emerging generation of students.

Dr. Jay Mosser, Chair of the university Board of Trustees, says this about the new appointment, “Dr. Taylor has served faithfully and excellently as our Vice President of Diversity and Inclusive Development and is uniquely qualified to lead us forward in this time of change and challenge. The board unanimously approved Dr. Taylor’s appointment and we look forward to working with her as God leads us.”

“I am excited and grateful for Dr. Taylor! God has gifted her in wisdom, discernment, courage, and leadership. She has a deep love for God and for people, and specifically for the Multnomah community. She is one of whom it can be said that the Word of Christ dwells in her richly,” added Joyce Schroeder, Chair of the University Academic Committee.

Multnomah faculty are excited to have their colleague step into this position of leadership. “I am beyond excited about the appointment of Dr. Jessica Taylor as Multnomah University’s Interim President! I cannot imagine anyone whose leadership I would rather serve under. Jessica exemplifies biblical servant-leadership and has earned my utmost respect during the years we have worked together at Multnomah,” said Dr. Rebekah Josberger, Chair of Multnomah’s Master of Arts in Biblical Studies.

Dr. Daniel Scalberg, Chair of History and Humanities, said, “Dr. Taylor has demonstrated the ability to capably serve the institution at the highest levels of senior leadership. Not only is she a well-respected colleague, but is a thoughtful and engaging scholar who has positively contributed to the ongoing educational ministry of Multnomah University.”

We are excited to have Dr. Taylor leading the university, and we look forward to the positive impact she will make on our community.