California Lutheran University Names New President

The Board of Regents of California Lutheran University announced today the appointment of John A. Nunes, Ph.D., as the university’s ninth president. Nunes has served as the university’s interim president since June 1, 2024, and assumes his new role June 1. He is a former president of Concordia College New York.

“Dr. Nunes has demonstrated his commitment to Cal Lutheran’s mission and our students every single day since his appointment as interim president, and the board is excited to have him join us on a longer-term basis,” said Board of Regents Chair Ann Boynton, Class of 1983. “This is a challenging time for higher education, and the need for committed leadership has never been greater.”

During his interim tenure, Nunes actively engaged with students, faculty, alumni and community partners, championing efforts to renew the university’s strategic vision while honoring its roots in the Lutheran educational tradition.

“I am blessed to continue serving in this community of creativity and inclusivity, at an institution built by pioneering, persevering people of faith,” Nunes remarked. “Even in this arduous higher ed environment, the faculty and staff of Cal Lutheran are brilliantly resilient for the sake of our students. We are committed to being a place where dreams take flight.”

Nunes is a widely respected scholar and nonprofit executive with over three decades of leadership experience. Since 2020, he has served on the Council of Independent Colleges’ Campus Free Expression Project, helping institutions navigate the complexities of intellectual engagement in a polarized era. He is also a senior fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy.

“One individual cannot single-handedly articulate and implement the changes we need to meet the challenges ahead, but Dr. Nunes’ beliefs, experience, vision, focus on transparency and collaboration are the bases we need to lead Cal Lutheran forward,” Boynton said. “He brings together a unique set of skills that encompass higher education leadership, deep commitment to Lutheran faith and education, fundraising, and attentive listening, and focuses these talents on advancing our mission and students.”

Previously, Nunes was president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, where he led global poverty alleviation and sustainable development efforts. His fundraising was instrumental in securing transformational leadership gifts for the Lutheran World Relief’s $45 million Lutheran Malaria Initiative. He held the Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair at Valparaiso University and is the author of five books and numerous scholarly articles.

A proud Jamaican-born, Canadian-raised immigrant, Nunes earned his bachelor’s degree from Concordia College Ann Arbor, a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario, and a Master of Theological Studies and doctorate from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Nunes and his wife, Monique, have six children and 13 grandchildren. Together, they bring a spirit of vibrancy, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to the Cal Lutheran community.