Lamont Wells has been named executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), effective Jan. 3, 2023.
Wells has served as program director for ELCA Campus Ministry since 2019. In this role he has provided leadership to the Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LuMin), comprising over 240 colleges and universities. Wells is also national president of the African Descent Lutheran Association.
“I’m excited to join the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities as executive director,” said Wells. “NECU is known for dynamic experiences in higher education that help students gain meaning and purpose alongside rigorous academic pursuits. I look forward to expanding our reach to a wider audience through our mission and strategic plan. I intend to build upon the synergy of our Lutheran heritage and innovation, along with NECU’s academic leadership, faculty and staff.”
NECU was established in 2015 in collaboration with the ELCA’s 27 colleges and universities to promote their shared mission and identity.
“As I take on this new and critically important role,” Wells said, “my prayer is to faithfully lead NECU in an educational renaissance that collectively embraces a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and lifelong learning. My greatest hope is that we will see the profound impact of this network of 27 colleges and universities producing more graduates that will fulfill their divine calling, address global inequities and facilitate new pathways for sustainability.”
Mark Wilhelm has served as NECU executive director since 2015 and will retire Jan. 31, 2023.
