Dr. Griffin Announced as New Associate Dean

Dr. Ben Griffin, currently president of the board for Suncoast Christian Academy and minister for the Suncoast Church of Christ in Lake Worth (Palm Beach County), Fla., will take on a newly created position as York College's associate dean and director of the master's degree program in organizational and global leadership, according to an announcement from Dr. Shannon Leinen, dean of online learning and academic initiatives at the College.

​"This is an exciting time for York College as we begin our transition to York University, and Dr. Griffin fits perfectly into that transition," Dr. Leinen explained.  "York's online market is exploding with interest among various student groups, especially those who want to be fully prepared for job opportunities in organizational leadership.  The corporate world is looking for those who have the educational background, the training and the experience to fill such roles.  Dr. Griffin has the academic credentials and the corporate experience to facilitate this online training."

Griffin, a native of Pensacola, Fla., holds the doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, in organizational leadership and conflict resolution.  He earned the master of arts degree in management from Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania and his bachelor's degree in ministry from Theological University of America in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He is currently completing a master of divinity program in Bible exposition at Lancaster Bible College.
 
"I am excited about the opportunities to serve an online market of York College that is growing and deserving," Griffin said when accepting the position.  "Providing leadership training that will enhance skills in both job, community and church settings is a role I feel that God has blessed me to fill.  This is a pivotal time of my life to let God lead me in helping others to learn how to lead.  I'm so grateful to become part of the York College...and eventually...the York University...family."
 
After high school, Griffin joined the U.S. Army and He served for nine years.  After that he entered into a preacher training program and then began full-time preaching at age 26 at a church in Pensacola and then later at a church in Sarasota.  He has authored and published six books since then, mostly related to Christian living, leadership, evangelism, and ministry service.
 
The father of five adult children and seven grandchildren, Griffin met his wife, Alanna, a 1983 graduate of Rochester College, previously known as Michigan Christian College, in the early 1990s and were married in 1994 in Rockledge, Fla.  The Griffin family will begin the move to York in early to mid-June so that he can begin his new role on campus on July 1.