Kittle named 2016-17 Thrivent Fellow
May 10, 2016
Dan Kittle
“I was attracted to the Thrivent program because it is rooted in personal and spiritual development,” Kittle said. “The program shares my philosophy that leadership development is interwoven with personal and spiritual development. I am eager to learn from fellow participants as well as through the exploration of the course materials.”
Candidates were selected based on their dedication to the mission and distinctiveness of Lutheran colleges, seminaries and universities; a strong record of service to these institutions; a clear potential for top-level leadership; and their vocational calls to lead these important institutions.
“I’m sure that he will become a college president someday, if he chooses,” Wartburg President Darrel Colson wrote in his letter of recommendation. “He’s already checked several important boxes: He’s earned his terminal degree; he’s worked within the divisions of academic affairs as well as student life; he’s taught courses regularly and continues to do so. He has extremely high potential, which can only be enhanced by participating in Thrivent Fellows.”
Through intensive retreats, seminars and executive coaching, participants will gain increased knowledge and understanding of Lutheran traditions and values, stronger awareness of their own leadership capacities, thorough knowledge of key management and financial issues in these complex enterprises, discernment of personal and professional goals that will equip them to fulfill their callings, a plan for professional growth and an expanded network of relationships with other Lutheran higher education leaders.
The program is sponsored by the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Concordia University System of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Congregational and Synodical Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.