A graduate of the University of Arkansas Department of History's doctoral program has been named the president-elect of Gordon College, according to an announcement from the school.

Michael "Mike" Hammond will begin his tenure as president on July 1, 2021 at the private Christian college in Wenham, Massachusetts. He currently serves as provost and executive vice president at Taylor University, a position he moved into from his previous roles as academic dean for the School of Humanities, Arts, and Biblical Studies and professor of history. 

Gordon College led a comprehensive seven-month national search for their new president, and after evaluating more than 70 candidates, Hammond was chosen as the institution's new leader.

"We strongly believe Dr. Hammond embodies the qualities, attributes and the aspirations voiced by those who likewise care deeply about Gordon and its future," said Carrie Tibbles, trustee and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, in the announcement by Gordon College.

A widely published scholar, Hammond's major research field is American Christianity, including the evangelical movement, the Civil Rights movement and the intersection of race and religion in 20th century United States history. As a Ph.D. student and Doctoral Academy Fellow at the University of Arkansas, he worked with professor David Chappell as a research assistant for Chappell's book Waking from the Dream: The Battle for Martin Luther King's Legacy (2014).

At Wheaton College, Hammond studied under renowned historian Mark Noll, from whom Hammond has drawn inspiration for his career in higher education. Hammond has been recognized with awards for excellence and achievement in teaching and research

Hammond has more than 25 years of experience in Christian Higher Education, demonstrating his passion for the field.

"I look forward to seeing Gordon grow as a place where vigorous academic research and teaching are integrated with vibrant Christianity — where servant leadership is practiced, modeled and cultivated in our campus community and echoed through our alumni who faithfully participate in the work of Jesus Christ in the world," Hammond said in his election announcement.