TKU HONORS DR. JON CHASTEEN FOR HIS SERVICE

The University Begins Search for New President

(Southlake, TX – April 20, 2023) The King’s University (TKU) President Dr. Jon Chasteen announced his resignation effective June 30, 2023. TKU is an accredited, Spirit-empowered, evangelical university located in Southlake, Texas. Founded by Dr. Jack Hayford, TKU is a part of the ministry of Gateway Church.

Dr. Chasteen has served as president of TKU since July 1, 2018. “It has been one of my greatest honors to serve this university,” says Dr. Chasteen. “I love its legacy, I love Gateway Church, and I love the beautiful marriage between the two.”

TKU Chancellor and Gateway Church Senior Pastor Robert Morris shared the news with students at the TKU chapel service on Wednesday morning. “We have been extremely blessed to have Dr. Chasteen as president,” said Pastor Robert. “He has worked two full-time jobs for the past five years—one as the president of TKU and the other as the senior pastor of Victory Church in Oklahoma City. His life is very ordered and principled, and he has been able to bear the two burdens. Recently, Dr. Chasteen met with the board of trustees and shared that at the end of the semester, he has decided to focus all his effort on being the full-time senior pastor of Victory Church, which is rapidly expanding.”

During his time at TKU, Dr. Chasteen oversaw numerous milestones including:

  • The accreditation approval from The Commission on Accrediting from The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) for The King’s Seminary.
  • The launch of several new programs at every academic level, including the Bachelor of Ministry Leadership, the Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Theological Studies, and a doctorate degree with concentrations in Spiritual Formation and Direction, Women in Ministry Leadership, and Pastoral Theology.
  • An increase in enrollment through the COVID pandemic when enrollment trends in higher education saw a decline nationwide.

“I am so proud of our accomplishments during my five years at TKU, and my prayer is that all the seeds we planted while I was here would bear much fruit in the university and the lives of its students,” says Dr. Chasteen. “I am so honored to be a part of Pastor Jack’s legacy. He’s my hero.”

Pastor Jack Hayford founded The King’s University in 1997 and passed away in January 2023. In 2013, Pastor Jack formed a partnership with Pastor Robert, which included moving the university from California to Southlake, Texas, and under the oversight of Gateway Church and Pastor Robert.

“Pastor Jack felt led to give us the stewardship of TKU,” says Pastor Robert. “Several weeks later when he came to visit me and asked if I would consider taking the stewardship of TKU. I graciously accepted this honor.”

Gateway Church and the TKU board of trustees will set in an interim president and conduct a nationwide search to find Dr. Chasteen’s successor as the university continues to grow.

“You may feel some sadness, but I want you to be excited,” Pastor Robert told the students. “I love transitions because they mean a new season of opportunity and growth is coming. I know God is going to use this transition to do something better and greater for us, for Dr. Chasteen, and for this university.”