Former Student Set to Retire from Presidency

By The Courier-News, Chicago Sun-Times

Judson University President Jerry B. Cain (B.S. 68) has announced that he will retire on June 30, 2012.

Cain, who has served as Judson’s president since 1998, made his formal announcement to the Judson Board of Trustees on Aug. 3 and to the Judson community at the annual university employee recognition lunch­eon.

Jerry Cain and his wife, Linda

“I am less than four months from my 66th birthday, and after talking in-depth with Linda,” his wife, “feel it is time to relinquish my leadership role at Judson University,” Cain said. “It has been a great honor to lead this godly institution, and I hope to make the 2011-2012 school year one of the best in Judson’s history.”

In a press release issued from the university, Cain said he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to fulfill his calling to Christian higher education at Judson and will follow the lead of his four predecessors by remaining a strong advocate for the university.

“We are so thankful for all Dr. Cain has done to advance the mission and purpose of Judson University,” said board Chairman Carol Thompson, speaking on behalf of the board of trustees. “He has been a passionate ambassador locally, nationally and internationally for Judson, and his love for this institution has been evident in his tireless efforts to expand its impact.”

During Cain’s leadership, Judson has moved from a college to a university, launched four master’s programs, received successful accreditation reviews and experienced growth in enrollment.

Cain led several major capital projects, including the construction of the Harm A. Weber Academic Center; the completion of the Lindner Center, Creekside South for the School of Education, and the Rockford campus; renovation of the Science and Mathematics Center, the Browne University Center, and the Alice and Edward Thompson Fine Arts Center and upgrades to the softball and baseball fields.

“Dr. Cain successfully led Judson through one of the most challenging economic times in our nation’s history,” Pastor Nat Edmond, trustee and chair of the Judson board’s External Relations Committee, said in the release. “The expansion of the campus and consistent enrollment is a testimony to his skills, talent and commitment to Judson. We praise God for his dedicated leadership, and I pray God’s blessings upon him and Linda as they move into the next phase of what God has for them.”

Linda Powell Cain, the Judson president’s wife of 43 years, has served the university in many ways, including oversight of special projects for campus beautification, student scholarship fundraising, plus hospitality and etiquette classes for students. She even saved $10,000 from the Cain family grocery budget to endow a scholarship for young people who are first-generation college students like herself. Her pecan pies and golf cart for First Lady Landscaping are now Judson traditions.

“Both Dr. and Mrs. Cain have devoted their lives during these past 13 years to the successful development of our beloved university,” Thompson said. “The board of trustees desires to fully honor this wonderful couple throughout their final year with us and to celebrate their years of outstanding service.”

Cain is the fifth president at Judson. Born in California, he spent his early childhood in Texas before moving to New Mexico where he received his bachelor’s degree in religion and psychology from Eastern New Mexico University. Upon earning his master’s degree in religion and historical ethics from Baylor University in Texas, Cain pursued additional graduate studies at Midwestern Seminary and St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City, and Regent’s Park College in Oxford, England.

After a four-year inner-city and youth ministry in Albuquerque, Cain began a career in higher education, serving at Wayland Baptist University in Texas, New Mexico Highlands University and William Jewell College before coming to Judson as president.

His emphasis on ministry, missions and service has been demonstrated through his volunteer work with First Baptist Church of Elgin and on the boards of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Educational Assistance Limited and American Baptist Churches USA, the release noted.

Trustee Bruce Strom, executive director for Administer Justice in Elgin, said he has observed this firsthand. “Dr. Cain’s been a well-known fixture in the Elgin landscape,” Strom said. “He created a legacy of service with the Elgin community that has benefited both Elgin and Judson. I know many service organizations, schools and businesses welcome Judson students because they reflect the heart of their president, who reflects the heart of Christ, in service and excellence.”

Founded in 1963, Judson University is an evangelical Christian university representing the church at work in higher education.