PRESIDENT
Gayle D. Beebe
Gayle D. Beebe became Westmont’s eighth president in 2007 after serving as president of Spring Arbor University in Michigan for seven years. His inauguration in 2008 featured speeches by Steve Forbes, chief executive officer of Forbes, and Steve Sample, former president of the University of Southern California.
President Beebe's Latest Book
The Crucibles That Shape Us
Navigating the defining challenges of leadership.
'The Crucibles that Shape Us': Why I Wrote Crucibles?
Westmont College President Gayle D. Beebe explains why he wrote the book, "The Crucibles That Shape Us: Navigating the Defining Challenges of Leadership."
President Beebe is featured in the Higher Education Digest's Most Visionary Education Leaders 2023.
A Presidential Journey in Pursuit of Excellence
In the realm of higher education, Gayle D. Beebe’s legacy at Westmont College inspires respect. With a career spanning over three decades, Beebe has emerged as a true leader in higher education. Currently at the helm of Westmont College in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, since 2007, Beebe's journey to this prestigious position is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements. Read the full feature here.
Media and Press
Discover the latest features and media coverage highlighting President Gayle D. Beebe's impactful leadership and contributions to Westmont College.
Other Publications
An active scholar, Beebe has published numerous articles and edited several publications, including: “The Shaping of an Effective Leader: Eight Formative Principles of Leadership” (InterVarsity Press, 2011). He co-authored “Longing for God: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion” with Richard Foster (InterVarsity Press, 2009), and he spent five years working with Foster, Dallas Willard, Lynda Graybeal and Thomas Oden to produce the acclaimed Life with God Bible (Harper, 2005).
Career in Brief
1980 | Consortium Student, Westmont College
1981 | B.A., Liberal Arts, George Fox University
1985 | M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
1985 - 1990 | Senior Pastor, Sherwood Community Friends Church, Sherwood, Ore.
1990 - 1992 | Pastor of Adult Ministries, Rose Drive Friends Church, Yorba Linda, Calif.
1992 - 2000 | Professor, Pastoral Theology, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
1994 - 1996 | Interim Pastor, Glendora Friends Church, Glendora, Calif.
1994 | M.B.A., Strategic Management, Drucker School, Claremont Graduate University
1995 | M.A., Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Claremont Graduate University
1996 - 1998 | Chair, Department of Ministry, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
1997 | Ph.D., Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Claremont Graduate University
1998 - 2000 | Dean, Haggard School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University
2000 - 2007 | President, Spring Arbor University
2007 - Present | President, Westmont College
President's Briefing
What a joy to welcome the spring semester! We’re thankful for strong enrollment and a full campus. Students got right to work, attending classes and preparing for events such as the short operas “The Telephone” and “Gallantry” January 19 and 21 and the Women’s Leadership Luncheon January 19...
President's Reflections
Reflections from President Beebe in the Westmont Magazine.
Compelling Conversations
President Gayle D. Beebe at Westmont College launched a podcast in 2020, Compelling Conversations, to engage thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders in discussions exploring the significant issues of our time.