New General Secretary
Dear CUAC Member,
Last year the Rev’d Canon Jamie Callaway DD told us he would be standing down from his role at the Triennial this year in Melbourne so he and Mary Chilton can attend to some long desired travel. In his twelve years in post, he focused on CUAC becoming a learning organization defined by our Identity and Character Declaration, drafted by Distinguished Fellow Dean Jeremy Law. It has been a huge privilege and pleasure to work with Jamie and CUAC owes him a major debt of gratitude for leading CUAC in these years.
After Jamie’s announcement, the Board of Trustees established a Selection Committee to begin the search for the next General Secretary of CUAC. I chaired that Committee and it composed of Bishop Martin Wharton, retired Bishop of Newcastle, Professor Joel Cunningham, Vice Chancellor Emeritus, University of the South, Sewanee, USA and Dr Lilian Jasper, President of Women’s Christian College, Chennai, India. We were very ably supported and guided by our Executive Search consultant, Christy Porter. The search was conducted both within the US and internationally and following a rigorous process of applications and interviews, a worthy candidate emerged. I am very pleased to be able to introduce to you the Revd Richard (Dick) Burnett, who for the past 24 years has been Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio. Before seminary, Dick’s passion for international ministry took him to the Philippines, where he connected with Trinity University of Asia and the other Episcopal colleges there.
On accepting this call he noted: “The world – God’s beloved creation – is not an easy or relaxed place today, and people of faith and goodwill are urgently needed to bring new light and hope into it. I imagine the future of CUAC will bring such needed gifts.”
The Board was very impressed by Dick’s enthusiasm, his background in Anglicanism, his extensive leadership in public ministry and his success in fund-raising over the years. Dick exudes commitment to the faith, he is an excellent communicator and has a love of people. There will be an opportunity for colleagues to meet our General Secretary designate, as Dick and his wife, Katherine, plan to attend the Triennial in Melbourne. The Board is delighted that Dick has accepted this challenge and we look forward to working with him. Jamie promised, “In handing over this role I have treasured, I look forward to working with Dick and our gifted Administrator Julia DeLashmutt in supporting CUACs building a faithful future for Anglican higher education.”
We look forward to continuity, but also to the creativity and innovation which Dick will bring to the role.
With best wishes,
THE REVEREND CANON PROFESSOR PETER NEIL
Board Chair
Vice-Chancellor, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
