Grand View President Kent Henning Announces Retirement
August 13, 2021
Kent Henning, Grand View University’s 13th president, announced that he will retire at the end of the upcoming academic year after serving 22 years as president.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Grand View in this role,” said President Henning. “I am even more grateful for the faculty, staff, students, board and community members who contributed to all we have accomplished over those years. As proud as I am of the past, I am equally excited about Grand View’s future.”
Since his arrival in 2000, President Henning has guided the University to unprecedented growth and transformation. His many notable accomplishments include enrollment growth, campus expansion including the construction of the Johnson Wellness Center and Luhrs Athletic Complex, Rasmussen Center, Student Center and student housing. He also oversaw the expansion of undergraduate academic programs and faculty and the addition of graduate degree programs. His vision to build a powerful athletics department has led to the addition of 18 athletic programs and 13 national championship titles. He also helped grow the endowment 725% and raise more than $60 million. His strategic vision and leadership have resulted in a vibrant residential campus that draws students from all over the U.S. and around the world.
“What Kent has done in his time at Grand View is extraordinary. The Board is grateful for his leadership and we were lucky to have him for so many years,” said Board Chair Chris Littlefield. “He will be missed, but we respect his decision to retire and are confident that Grand View is well positioned for a successful leadership transition.”
The Grand View Board of Trustees will name a search committee and begin a national search immediately for President Henning’s successor.
“It has been an honor to lead this institution and I am excited about what lies ahead for Grand View,” said President Henning, “It’s a difficult decision to retire, but it feels like the right time.”