President Unveils New Growth-Oriented Vision for Eastern Nazarene College

QUINCY – Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr, President of Eastern Nazarene College (ENC), revealed an inspiring new vision aimed at fostering growth and advancement within the institution.

Addressing members of the College on April 11, Dr. Derr outlined four key areas of focus that will shape ENC’s journey forward while nurturing a vibrant spiritual community both on-campus and online, where the transformative power of faith touches each aspect of student life. “ENC aspires to create an educational environment where every student, regardless of program or location, can encounter the life-changing love of Jesus,” said Derr.

In line with this vision, the College is set to launch ENC Online, a comprehensive digital platform offering more than just remote degree programs. ENC Online will provide a rich student experience with flexible online learning, engaged professors, and a quality and relevant curriculum that integrates faith and learning.

The College also seeks to enhance the on-campus experience through various initiatives, including robust student services, upgraded campus infrastructure, and expanded athletic offerings.

Furthermore, Derr emphasized the importance of empowering employees, affirming a commitment to strengthen their engagement, effectiveness, and alignment with ENC’s mission.

New Executive Leadership Team

To realize these ambitious goals, Derr has restructured the executive leadership team, welcoming key individuals who will play pivotal roles in driving ENC’s transformation. Nadine Pfautz continues to serve the College as the Executive Director of Human Resources, Rob Hartman continues his tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, and Rev. Shane Lima assumes the role of Executive Director of Spiritual Life/College Pastor starting May 2024.

Elevating Leadership Roles

Dr. Tim Eades, formerly Vice President for Enrollment Management, will step into the position of Provost effective May 6. Eades brings a wealth of experience in academic and enrollment leadership, having served at various institutions over the past three decades. Prior to his tenure at Eastern Nazarene, Eades served as the University Provost at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma from 2019 to 2023. Eades holds a BA in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master of Ministry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and an Ed.D. in Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. His vision for ENC includes expanding enrollment across both traditional and online modalities, fostering a dynamic learning environment grounded in innovation and excellence. In this new role, Eades will serve as the Chief Academic Officer while continuing to lead enrollment initiatives.

“I am honored to serve as ENC’s Provost. We are going to do the important work of organizing our enrollment and academic areas to reach and serve both a robust campus and online population. This is our pathway to a new day at ENC!” says Eades. “I am passionate about engaged teaching, scholarship, and student learning for all our students. I want to see ENC increase its Kingdom impact through innovation, alignment, and excellence. ENC was once an institution that served more than 1,000 students, and I want to collaborate with faculty and staff to realize that student body again across two main modalities – campus and online. Our vision is for students to attend ENC in Quincy or from anywhere in the world via ENC Online! Pray with us that God will bless this amazing college of 124 years with a vibrant future.”

Dr. Brad Zarges assumes the role of Vice President for Campus Student Experience and Advancement. With a distinguished background in marketing, athletics, and higher education administration, Dr. Zarges is poised to enhance the student experience and elevate ENC’s profile both internally and externally.

Dr. Zarges has served at Eastern Nazarene College since July 2015 when he was named the Director of Athletics. Prior to arriving at ENC, Zarges coached college basketball over a span of 26 years. During that time, he spent seven years working in admissions and served as Assistant Athletic Director at his alma mater, Houghton College. At both Houghton College and Taylor University, he was a member of the teaching faculty in Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sports Management.

“ENC has been a special place to serve and live in community. I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this new position to assist Dr. Derr and all our colleagues in implementing the new strategic plan for an exciting future for ENC,” said Zarges. “In particular, working alongside the leaders and staff within Student Life, Athletics, and Advancement & External Relations will allow us to provide strategic approaches on behalf of our current on-campus students and our alumni and friends of the college. Our collective goal will be to consider how to create and sustain an incredible experience from the moment a student steps on campus for the first time to the point they graduate and the many years after they become alumni of ENC.”

During his nine years at the College, Zarges has provided leadership of ENC Athletics’ continual improvement efforts. His commitment to excellence has led to an increase in recruitment outcomes to nearly double the number of participants and building a championship culture. With the first conference championships since 2000 being claimed in 2019, the ENC Lions have since won 14 conference championships and made it to NCAA National Tournaments.

Additionally, Zarges has served the College in other areas, even while continuing his work in Athletics. He stepped up as Interim VP of Student Life in Spring 2019 during a presidential transition and then as VP of Enrollment and Athletics from June 2019 to February 2021.

Zarges holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Houghton College and a Master of Science degree in Sport Sciences from East Tennessee State University. In December 2015, Zarges completed his doctoral degree at Indiana State University in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration.

About Eastern Nazarene College

Eastern Nazarene College is a fully accredited Christian liberal arts college and member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Nestled in a residential neighborhood minutes from downtown Boston, the College’s picturesque New England campus is a window into the world. Through classes, work experiences in Boston, and mission trips around the world, students are challenged to open their minds and hearts, preparing them for a lifetime of meaningful work and service to our nation and the world.