York University has named Dr. Tim Westbrook to serve as its 22nd president. News of Westbrook’s appointment was shared in a January 8 announcement from board chair Dr. R. Wayne White.
Westbrook has a lengthy record of service in Christian higher education, missions and ministry. He has worked at Harding University since 2005, where he currently serves as the director of Harding’s Equip — Bible Online Program. He has worked in multiple capacities in Harding’s College of Bible and Ministry, including work as associate director of the Institute for Church and Family during his first five years with the university; but his primary focus throughout his time at Harding has been developing their online Bible and ministry initiative.
Prior to his work with Harding, Westbrook was a missionary to Hungary from 1995 through 2003, where he served as the team leader. Although he returned more than 20 years ago, he has an ongoing involvement in mission work in Hungary. In addition to his work at Harding, Westbrook was the assistant editor for the Truth for Today Commentary Series from 2003 to 2010.
Westbrook completed his MA in historical theology (2002) and his MDiv with an Old Testament concentration (2008) from Harding School of Theology. He earned his PhD in education and intercultural studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2015. His dissertation was published by Routledge with the title Spirituality, Community, and Race Consciousness in Adult Higher Education (2017). Westbrook grew up in Houston, Texas, and completed his undergraduate degree at Harding University.
In the announcement to the campus, Board Chair White stated, “Throughout the interview process Dr. Westbrook answered the search committee’s questions openly and honestly. We were impressed with his answers and calm demeanor while he considered the challenges that lie ahead if chosen to serve as president of a university. We were equally impressed with his past work at Harding University and his development of programs there.”
In response to his selection, Dr. Westbrook said, “Anessa and I are honored to accept this tremendous opportunity to join the mission of York University. Christ-centered higher education must have a major impact on our world today. As we look into the bright future of York University, we move forward with humility and resolve to serve the students, staff, and faculty in such a way to help maximize this institution’s influence on the global kingdom of God.”
Longtime colleagues at Harding University offered congratulations and endorsement on word of Westbrook’s appointment. Dr. Mike Williams, president of Harding University, stated, “Congratulations to my friend, Dr. Tim Westbrook, on his selection as the next president of York University. Tim has a great love for the Global Church and an entrepreneurial mind to explore ways to broaden the Kingdom.”
Dr. Monte Cox, who serves as the dean of Harding’s College of Bible and Ministry said, “I am pleased for Dr. Westbrook to have this opportunity to exercise his considerable gifts on a bigger stage. Of course, we're sad to see him (and his wife, Dr. Anessa Westbrook) go, but we pray that York University can thrive under Tim's leadership.”
Westbrook’s election follows a nationwide presidential search that began in mid-2024. He succeeds Dr. Sam Smith who served as York University’s president from 2020 to 2024.
Interim president and vice president for advancement Jared Stark stated, “I am excited to welcome Dr. Westbrook to York University. From the moment I met him, I have been impressed with his obvious intelligence, easy-going kindness, deep humility and willingness to listen. I am especially encouraged by his experience as a missionary because of the faith and dedication it takes to serve in such a capacity. Dr. Westbrook possesses several vital characteristics important for assuming the presidency at York University, and I am ready to work alongside him from day one when he arrives on campus.” Stark will continue in his role as interim president until Westbrook assumes the office on July 1, 2025.
Incoming President Westbrook and his wife, Dr. Anessa Westbrook, have been married for 31 years. She is currently an associate professor of Bible and ministry at Harding University. Dr. Anessa Westbrook received her DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary and speaks on women’s ministry and spiritual development of women nationally and internationally. She has published two books, New Birth: Conversion and Baptism and Reaching and Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church.
The Westbrooks have three adult children, Alina (married to Blake Stout), Anna (married to Derek Yingling), and Theodore Westbrook.