McLoud Concludes 32 Years of Service as YC Trustee

York College celebrates one of its most loyal advocates and friends with the retirement of Ed McLoud from the board of trustees. McLoud’s 32 years as a trustee included 12 as chair from 1994-2006, the majority of those with former president Wayne Baker, now Chancellor Emeritus of YC.

"He was the ideal chair," Baker said of McLoud. "He was always there when you needed him. Regardless of his busy church, business and personal responsibilities, he made himself and his schedule available to meet the needs of the college."

Chancellor Emeritus Baker lauded McLoud's years of service, saying, “The effectiveness of the board over the last several decades was directly attributed to his leadership."  Baker added, "And his faithful wife and lifelong partner, Pat, worked right alongside him." Baker further stated, "Ed's counsel, prayers and sacrificial financial gifts at just the right time remain a testimony of his love for the Kingdom of God to this day."

McLoud was president of Systronics, Inc., a credit union service company in Olathe, Kan., for several decades before his son, Dennis McLoud (YC ’76), succeeded him in that role. He utilized that business acumen in his position as YC board chair, providing an integral voice to York College as it advanced in higher education.

Steve Eckman, who recently retired as YC president, had nothing but praise for McLoud and his wife, Pat. “They are such godly people and have given so much to York College through the years,” Eckman stated. “Ed was on the board when the decision was made for the college to offer baccalaureate degrees in 1988 and receive accreditation in 1994 as a four-year institution. That was a crucial turning point in our history, and it was made by those in leadership roles who spent a lot of time in prayer for this place.”

Jarrell Gibbs, who succeeded McLoud as board chair, also expressed high praise for his predecessor. “I salute Ed for his lifetime of dedicated service to the furtherance of the Lord’s kingdom through his 32 years of service on the board of trustees of York College and his 12 years of leadership as board chair,” Gibbs noted.

“I could not have followed a more perfect example of how to be an effective chairperson as Ed McLoud,” he continued. “His openness, patience and willingness to accept new ideas were exemplary. And I appreciated his willingness to remain on the board to provide ongoing wise counsel after retiring as chair. In the most productive years of their lives, Ed and Pat have given their love, their lives and their financial resources to promote the success of York College. Their commitment and service to the mission of York College is a unique example to all who follow in their footsteps.”
   
The McLouds, who reside in Overland Park, Kan., have been associated with Christian education for nearly 70 years when they met in the early 1950s at Central Christian College in Bartlesville, Okla.
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