Office of the President
Meet the President
Dr. Andrew Denton
As cultural trends and philosophical fads seem to be dominating this era in history, the need for Christian leaders—who are redeemed by Jesus Christ, deeply rooted in God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit—has never been greater. Crown College has been providing education and training that produces such leaders for more than 106 years. I am honored to serve as the 17th president of Crown as we continue to build upon the legacy of those that have gone before us.
When we live our lives in Christ, challenges foster a wonderful dependence upon Him. I see tremendous opportunities for growth ahead and believe that with the Lord’s help, Crown College will soar in this season. We have outstanding faculty and staff committed to integrating learning and faith in an environment that empowers and equips students to excel in their calling in any field. We have students who pursue an authentic walk with the Lord that informs their lives spiritually, academically, and socially. And we have alumni and friends around the world who support this institution with their prayers and gifts, investing in the next generation of leaders.
Whether you are a student considering Crown, a parent who seeks to partner with a college that will develop (and not destroy) the seeds of faith and knowledge you have sown into your son or daughter, or a graduate or friend of the college who wants to help launch high-impact leaders, I invite you to be part of the Crown family. Great days are ahead!
Serving together,
Dr. Andrew Denton
President
Background
Dr. Andrew Denton became the 17th President of Crown College on July 1, 2021.
His experience in executive leadership in higher education, business acumen, and devotion to Christ have equipped him to be a high-impact leader for the next chapter in Crown’s story.
Dr. Denton’s educational background includes:
- Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, St. Louis University
- MBA, Missouri State University
- B.S., Business Administration: Marketing and Management, Evangel University
Dr. Denton is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God Fellowship. He served as Associate Pastor of Timbercreek Community Church in Springfield, Missouri, from 2002–2006 and as a Deacon and volunteer youth minister at River Valley Church for the past several years.
Dr. Denton’s family background has deep roots in missions and education. His parents were educators (father an elementary school principal and mother a second-grade teacher) in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His paternal grandparents were career missionaries in the Philippines.
Dr. Denton’s career in higher education began after he graduated from college when he served as an Admission Counselor at Evangel University. Within two years, he was promoted to Director of Admissions—a role that changed his life’s course through a relationship with Dr. Robert Spence, Evangel’s president. Several years later, when Dr. Denton served as a vice president at Evangel, Dr. Spence shared that he believed Andrew Denton had a call on his life to be a college president. A few years later, his call was confirmed when during a personal prayer and fasting retreat, Dr. Denton sensed the Lord telling him he would one day be a college president. “I didn’t know when,” Dr. Denton said, “and I didn’t know where, but I knew the call had come, and I just held that in my heart.” As it turns out, it would be 12 years before that call would come. In the meantime, he committed to being faithful wherever the Lord placed him.
Roles in higher education
- North Central University, Executive Vice President, 2018–2021
- North Central University, Adjunct Professor, College of Business and Technology, 2019–2021
- North Central University, Vice President for University Relations, 2015–2018
- Bethel University, Vice President for Enrollment Management, 2013–2017
- Evangel University, Vice President for Enrollment Management, 2006–2013
- Evangel University, Director of Admissions, 2000–2002
- Evangel University, Admission Counselor, 1998–2000
Andrew and Linda Biffert Denton met in college and have been married for 26 years. Linda earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Evangel University and a Masters in Organization Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a fitness trainer and speaker at ministry events and retreats.
The Dentons and their three children, Lexie (sophomore in college), Ashlyn (freshman in college), and Drew (junior in high school), enjoy actively participating together in church life, attending sporting events and activities of each child, and traveling. Dr. Denton has shared that while his kids are still at home, their interests are his hobbies. The family’s recent adventures include trips to the Carolinas, and they are looking forward to their first family cruise this next year to St. Thomas and Jamaica.
2028 Strategic Plan
A New Season of Excellence + Growth
Brand Pillar
We will target the Christian market in the Midwest with a boldly Christian brand identity and message that is powerful and compelling.
Academic Pillar
We will develop academic excellence and biblical integration in every program to ensure students are spiritually and academically prepared.
Community Pillar
We will build an authentic Christian community and a culture of belonging that attracts and retains on-campus and online students.
