Legacy of Leadership | Celebrating President Joe Stowell

Legacy 

of 

Leadership 

CELEBRATING PRESIDENT JOE STOWELL

Joe Stowell never saw his presidency of Cornerstone University 

as a job. “I don’t do this for the paperwork,” he often quipped. 

To him, being president 

at Cornerstone was a journey 

to share the joy of Jesus and 

the story of Cornerstone 

at every turn. 

He was more than the passing face of a leader, teacher, preacher 

or businessman. He felt like your father, your brother, your uncle, 

your mentor, your coach and your teammate—all wrapped into one. 

He frequented the Dining Commons, making the rounds to chat with 

tables of students. He stopped by classrooms and offices around 

campus, remembering everyone by name. 

Simply, he made each student, faculty and staff member, 

donor and alum feel valued and important—because to 

him, all of them were. 

CONTENTS: 

4 Inauguration Highlights | 6 Thriving Spiritual Life | 10 Excellent Academics 

14 Culturally Informed | 16 Dedicated to Community | 22 Faithful Stewardship 

This book was created by the Cornerstone University Marketing & Communications team including Caroline Cahoon (B.A. ’03), Layne 

Fuller, Kristina Garvelink (M.A. ’16), Jordan Grooters (B.A. ’17; M.B.A. ’19), Bob Sack and Audrey Wierenga (B.A. ’18). Photography was 

captured at university events from 2008-2020 by Leah Bailey (B.A. ’15), Coastline Studios, Guthrie Collins (M.Div. ’20), Benjamin DeYoung 

(B.A. ‘19), Karmen Low, Megan Rice (B.S. ’13), Ryan Prins Photography, Aryan Shankardas (B.A. ’22) and Jessica Sturgis. 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT 2008-2021 

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4 

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: CELEBRATING JOE STOWELL


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6 

Thriving 

Spiritual 

Life 

“Every time President Joe Stowell stepped onto the stage 

in chapel, you sat forward just a little more because 

you knew he was going to have something good to say.” 

// SETH VAN AST (B.A. ’18) // 

More than anything he achieved in 13 years at Cornerstone, Dr. Joe Stowell 

embodied servant leadership founded on an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. It 

was, and is, a faith that guided each decision he made, every conversation he had 

and each prayer he offered. From the first moments of his presidency, Joe declared 

and demonstrated the importance of Christ’s preeminence on a college campus. 

With humility and integrity, he championed Christ to the CU community. 

“Despite the university changing in significant ways when Dr. Stowell came to Cornerstone, the foundational 

commitment to biblical principles and a community oriented around growing together in our relationship with 

the Lord did not diminish.” —Mark Muha (B.A. ’10), Director of Community Life 

“When challenges have come over the years, Dr. Stowell has sought to align himself with the ethic of the 

kingdom and the heart of King Jesus. He is very personable and pastoral in his style of leadership. God has 

blessed Cornerstone immensely under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Stowell.” —Artie Lindsay Sr., Campus Pastor 



7

Christ Chapel 

As snowflakes filled the air on a frigid morning 

in January 2014, hundreds of students, staff, 

faculty and friends huddled outside the Gainey 

Conference Center for the groundbreaking of 

a new construction project. This wasn’t just 

another project, though. In its previous 75 years, 

Cornerstone University had never enjoyed a 

dedicated chapel space where the community 

could worship. That all changed in 2015. 

“Buildings are named after important people,” 

Stowell declared. “So this building will be called 

Christ Chapel. 

“If someone, someday, tries to 

remove Jesus from Cornerstone 

University, they are going to have 

to deal with this building.” 

The crowd roared with applause. No better name 

could have been chosen, and no other initiative 

would be more emblematic of Stowell’s leadership 

and passion. 

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CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT 2008-2021 9

10 

Excellent 

Academics 

“Not only has Dr. Stowell championed our fundraising efforts 

in the Urban Cohort program to keep scholarships available 

for the students and ministry leaders who serve in highly 

marginalized areas of the city, but he also has been an ardent 

advocate, an enthusiastic encourager and a servant 

of God and the program in the best possible ways.” 

// REV. DR. ROYCE EVANS // 

Associate Dean of the 

Urban Cohort program at GRTS 

Dr. Joe Stowell was always clear about the “why” of academic excellence at 

Cornerstone University. In his mind, if Cornerstone grads could excel in their career 

calling, they were more likely to experience opportunities to influence their world 

for Christ. And, the better CU’s academics equipped students for those careers, 

the more likely students were to enjoy success. Joe’s steadfast attitude toward this 

vision generated new academic buildings, enhanced course rigor, built competitive 

programs and increased recognition for the university. 

“President Stowell has been a tremendous support to academics during his tenure. He shared a vision of where 

we could go by supporting the launch of innovative and market-sensitive programs, resourcing state-of-the-art 

facilities to support these programs and providing support for academic excellence through additional program 

accreditation.” —Dr. Shawn Newhouse, Senior Vice President for Traditional Undergraduate Academics 



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Creativity & Innovation 

Honors Institute 

Problemsolving is a much-needed 

skill in the workforce. CIHI was 

developed to give undergraduate 

students the option to minor in 

creativity and innovation. It is now 

an undergraduate major. 

2018 

Pathway Program 

Through focused resources and 

support, the Pathway program 

equips undergraduate students 

for success at Cornerstone and 

well after graduation. 

2018 

2017 

Engineering 

A unique partnership with Grand 

Valley State University allows 

students to pursue an engineering 

degree in five different strands. 

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

What started as a partnership program 

with the University of Detroit-Mercy 

is now wholly owned by Cornerstone, 

pending approval by the Higher 

Learning Commission in 2021. 

Master of Public Administration 

The M.P.A. at PGS was created for 

adults interested in pursuing a degree 

in nonprofit leadership. 

2021 

2019 

Doctor of Education 

In 2019, the Professional & Graduate Studies 

program at Cornerstone graduated their 

inaugural Doctor of Education cohort. The 

Ed.D. is PGS’ first terminal degree program. 

2020 

Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis 

This GRTS program helps students 

understand Scripture in its original 

languages in order to become a better 

steward of interpretation. 


14 

Culturally 

Informed 

“Being part of the Kingdom Scholars is amazing. We get 

together and talk about the bigger picture—how we can be 

leaders in the community and shape the student body.” 

// TANISHQ DANIEL (B.S. ’23) // 

When Stowell stepped into the presidency in 2008, the world was becoming 

increasingly smaller—a fact that Joe understood. He realized cultural and global 

changes created an incredible opportunity for Cornerstone students to be salt 

and light in all corners of the world. He also knew it was time for CU to better 

reflect God’s kingdom—by moving toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive 

community. Dr. Stowell forged relationships with community members who were 

passionate about social justice. He helped create avenues for first-generation 

college students to be successful. And he infused the campus community 

with practical ways to develop a multicultural understanding—through chapel 

messages, scholarship initiatives, the Kingdom Scholars program, as well as 

stabilization and growth of CU’s Asia Biblical Theological Seminary and more. 

“I’ve appreciated Dr. Stowell’s affirmation of faculty and willingness to listen. He often envied the privilege 

faculty have to directly shape students’ lives while he was ‘confined’ to the corner office. When our former 

provost took another position, Dr. Stowell called together several faculty members to discuss the transition. As 

a result of that meeting, the academic governance structure was changed. This is a testament to his support of 

faculty and openness to input.” —Dr. Brenda King, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor to the President 

“Dr. Stowell’s love for students is contagious. He inspires donor support and collaboration and has made a 

Cornerstone education accessible, affordable and attractive to students. In turn, these students contribute 

powerfully to the mission of the university.” —Dr. Gerald Longjohn, Vice President of Student Development 


“In February 2019, we were honored to 

have Dr. Stowell join us in Bangkok for our 

largest-ever commencement ceremony. This 

was a significant milestone in the history of 

ABTS as Dr. Stowell gave the commencement 

address to the 24 graduates. It was a potent 

reminder of God’s faithfulness to ABTS 

over the years and a wonderful testimony 

of Dr. Stowell’s unswerving commitment to 

theological education in Asia. We thank God 

for Dr. Stowell’s leadership, especially for 

his vision and passion for equipping men 

and women to minister among a rapidly 

growing Asian church.” 

// DR. JIM BLUMENSTOCK // 

Dean of ABTS 

// Israel, Palestine 

and Jordan Study 

Abroad Trip 

For years, students at Grand Rapids 

Theological Seminary have had the chance 

to walk where Jesus walked and explore the 

geography of his ministry through a facultyled 

study trip to the Middle East. Dr. Stowell’s 

passion for graduate theological education 

inspired him to seek out fundraising 

opportunities to help more students attend 

the trip and understand the Bible in new 

dimensions. Dr. Stowell and his wife, Martie, 

embarked on the trip with GRTS in 2016, 2017 

and 2018. 


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Dedicated to 

Community 

“When Dr. Stowell stepped into his role at CU, his impact was 

immediate. I am thankful Dr. Stowell believed in me, and 

I knew any questions or concerns I had could be reported to 

him if need be. More importantly, I knew that he knew me. 

When passing him on campus, he would always say hello 

and make sure I was doing alright.” 

// JANELLE BRANCH (B.A. ’12) // 

To most on Cornerstone’s campus, Joe Stowell wasn’t “President Stowell” or 

“Dr. Stowell” or “Mr. Stowell.” He was “Joe.” 

Everyone on campus seemed to have a “Joe” story, and it started the first day 

a person would meet the Cornerstone president. He introduced himself to new 

students as “Hi, I’m Joe, and I work here.” Whether it was asking a colleague how 

he could pray for them or helping students decorate the Corum Student Union 

Christmas tree, Dr. Stowell’s priority at Cornerstone was cultivating a strong 

community that leaned on one another and depended on Christ. 

“I believe that Dr. Stowell was genuinely invested in the lives of students at Cornerstone. He made a daily 

effort to interact and connect with students on a personal level. His leadership inspires me to this day.” 

—Austin Lash (B.A. ’17) 



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“Dr. Stowell would pop into our practices every now and then 

and say hello to the team and give a word of encouragement. 

He knew our players by name and would talk to them on a 

personal basis. Joe would come down to our bench before 

home games and talk with me about the strategy of 

‘crushing the opponent—in a Jesus sort of way!’ This is when 

I started calling him ‘Coach.’ He would also come into our 

locker room after games to congratulate the team and pray for us.” 

// KIM ELDERS // 

Head Men’s Basketball Coach 

20 


CityFest 

In September 2018, 30,000 people flooded 

downtown Grand Rapids for a two-day 

celebration known as CityFest, hosted by 

the Luis Palau Association. As co-chair 

of CityFest, Dr. Stowell was an integral 

part of bringing it to Grand Rapids. The 

festivities included dozens of worship 

bands and gospel-sharing speakers. 

It was a high-water moment for Joe 

Stowell’s decade-long effort to establish 

Cornerstone University as an important 

servant to the Grand Rapids community. 


22 

Faithful 

Stewardship 

“Under Dr. Stowell’s leadership, the PGS staff was 

provided with a beautiful facility that included office and 

classroom space that was more than adequate for our needs. 

We truly felt richly resourced when we moved into the 300 

building seven years ago. Dr. Stowell’s leadership and 

character have lifted the profile and effectiveness of CU.” 

// KEITH DEBOER // 

Dean of Student Services for PGS 

Though Joe steadfastly believed Cornerstone’s top donor was the Lord, he 

regularly reminded friends of CU that “all contributions are tax-deductible.” 

Those fruitful relationships changed Cornerstone’s physical landscape and grew 

program offerings while raising millions of dollars for scholarships. The 2010s will 

forever be remembered as a decade that saw countless new experiences and 

opportunities for students along with a boundless anticipation for the future. 

Amidst investments in the physical campus, an expansion of academic programs 

and a widening of community initiatives, Joe Stowell stewarded CU’s business 

operations with biblically-based principles. That, and a healthy dose of God’s 

blessings, led the university to 12 straight years of modest financial surpluses, a 

doubling of the university endowment and a clear path to be debt-free by 2024. 


Building a 

Beautiful Campus 

Art as an expression of our faith is a beautiful 

form of worship. Over the past decade, Joe 

Stowell prompted the addition of several 

prominent art pieces on campus. Our campus 

artwork now includes the following works, 

along with many others: 

• “Sacred Light” Christ Chapel windows, 

Peter Brandes 

• Gilded bronze cross, Maja Engelhardt 

• “Let There Be Light” sculpture, Albert Paley 

• “Christ the Creator” sculpture, Albert Paley 

• “What Breathes Beneath Our Story” painting 

by GRTS alumna Bette Dickenson 


Corum renovation 

2008 

2011 

Dining Commons 

De Witt Field 

and Central Hall; 

Matthews Performing 

Arts Center 

2013 

Christ Chapel 

2015 

2014 

Professional & Graduate Studies 

building at 300 E. Beltline 

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Softball field 

renovation 

2017 

Renovation of 

Miller Center for 

Student Success 

2018 

De Witt Center for 

Science and Technology 

New WCSG Building; 

Updates to auxiliary 

gym in Bernice Hansen 

Athletic Center 

2020 

Mary De Witt 

Nursing Center 


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14 YEARS. 

42 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES. 

79 CHAPEL MESSAGES. 

COUNTLESS STUDENT CONVERSATIONS. 

Immeasurable campus impact. 

Dr. Stowell’s legacy as president of Cornerstone could be quantified by 

how many dollars he raised for building projects, how many events he 

attended or how many new programs he spearheaded. But it is more 

suitable to measure his impact through his relationships—the ones he 

forged with students, alumni, faculty and staff. The ones he fostered with 

donors, board members and friends of Cornerstone. And more importantly, 

the one he has with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was through these 

interactions that he made a remarkable impact at Cornerstone University, 

an impact that will guide the institution for decades to come. 

Thank you, Joe. 


“To God be 

the glory—now 

and forever!”

Legacy of Leadership | Celebrating President Joe Stowell

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