Dr. Wayne Kraiss back for second round

Dr. Wayne Kraiss accepted the Board of Trustee’s invitation to become interim president on Oct. 13.

In an acceptance speech, Kraiss made clear his intentions to create a transparent environment within the community. He is hopeful that Vanguard University can and will right itself from its current financial and administrative hurdles to become even stronger than ever.

Kraiss, former Vanguard President prior to Murray Dempster, is no stranger to the responsibility now thrust upon him. He describes Vanguard as a ship, taking on water.

“This is not the kind of ship I want to turn over to a new skipper. I want a ship that has a robust and excited crew,” Kraiss said. “We will plug the holes, we will fill the fuel tanks and we will fix the compass. Now is the time to begin a new chapter and stop picking the bones.”

Vanguard’s many issues are not taken lightly by Kraiss, who has a track record of helping weakened institutions. Since his resignation as Vanguard’s president eight years ago, Kraiss has been instrumental in helping churches grow from struggles with leadership issues. Drawing on his experience in this area, Kraiss hopes to give administration new direction.

“May the students who are here with us, leave this campus at the end of this semester and say, ‘I saw a group of men and women biblically address their differences for [the good of] the school,’” said Kraiss. “We can be role models of Christ-like leaders; let’s show our students what Christ-like leaders look like.”

Using the same mantra of support and strength, Kraiss called on the VU community. “I ask you to join me in stopping the blame game, and start working together to stabilize our ship,” Kraiss said. 

Although Kraiss has been appointed to aid Vanguard in this difficult time, he pointed out, “The reason we do not fear is not because Wayne Kraiss is here. The reason we do not fear is because He is with us…if He is with us we need not fear.”