New Milligan president casts vision in first interview [Video]

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Milligan University’s new president said he’s inheriting “a really healthy situation” in terms of enrollment and finances — and Stephen Waers plans to keep focusing on educating servant leaders who are effective in their occupations and grounded in a liberal arts education.

Waers spoke to the media Thursday morning after meeting with Milligan staff and faculty. It was his first day soloing on the job after a month of working with outgoing president Bill Greer. The 39-year-old, who earned his divinity degree at Emmanuel Christian Seminary, said he’s grateful to join a team of people who “love (Milligan) deeply” and are often committed to the institution for life.

With Milligan “hitting enrollment goals and exceeding them,” Waers said he doesn’t need to fix anything.

“We actually have a good problem,” he said, referring to a shortage of on-campus housing.