Andrew Draper Named to UF Board of Trustees
The University of Findlay is pleased to welcome Andrew Draper, Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. He is a theologian, author, speaker, and teacher with a background in community development ministry.
“Andrew brings a wealth of experience with his ministerial and community-oriented background,” UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “We appreciate his support and insights that will be valuable assets in continuing the advancement and growth of the University.”
Rev. Draper is the new executive director of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, on the UF campus, as of March 1. A Findlay native, he is an ordained pastor with the Churches of God, General Conference. He also is the senior and founding pastor of Urban Light Community Church in Muncie, Indiana, a position he has held since 2005.
Draper earned a Ph.D. in theological ethics from University of Aberdeen in Scotland, a master’s of divinity from Winebrenner, and a bachelor of arts in communication studies from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.
“Because of our unique heritage and bright future, the University of Findlay is well positioned to continue to be a premier institution of private liberal arts higher education,” Draper said. “As a pastor, scholar, and educator aligned with the University’s sponsoring tradition, I am thankful to assist our historically-grounded and forward-thinking administrators and faculty by serving as a member of the Board of Trustees.”
For 14 years, Draper served as a board member and was a past president of Urban Light Christian Development Corporation in Muncie, Indiana. His work included facilitating housing redevelopment, addiction recovery, and launching an urban public charter school.
His teaching experience includes six years as dean of the Sacred Roots Thriving in Ministry project at Taylor University, and serving as a visiting assistant professor of theology and director of the honors guild at Taylor.
He and his wife, Leslie, have two sons, Aidan and Alister.