Jonathan Bartling

Background

About Jonathan Bartling

I never intended to end up in higher education. I graduated college looking forward to teaching high school choir, directing high school musicals, and summers off. Through the vision of key, formational leaders who saw more in me than I could imagine, however, I stepped into a staff position at my alma mater and never looked back. Working at all levels at two universities for 25 years, including academic positions as a staff member, faculty member, program director, department chair, dean, associate vice-president, associate provost, and Cabinet-level vice-president, I have watched how each role has prepared me for the position I hold, and the leader I am, today. My experience and understanding of higher education has been further strengthened through positions in both traditional and graduate/adult education, and through my service as an accreditation evaluator first for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and now for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Through these experiences, I have developed: 1) A broad institutional knowledge across all aspects of the university. 2) A recognition of best practices that move people from compliance to excellence. 3) A deep understanding of academic and institutional quality and the factors that lead to institutional effectiveness. After seven years as a full-time faculty member, I sensed a clear calling not just to administration, but specifically administration within the Christian university context. We have an incredible opportunity to deliver one of the most transformational and generation-impacting experiences to people of all ages: an education. At Trevecca, however, we believe our calling is greater: We are “a Christian community providing education for leadership and service.” This means we get the opportunity to teach and lead through the lens of faith, an equally transformational and generation-impacting experience. This work is carried out on a day-to-day basis through our incredible faculty and staff, and it is my honor to support them in their work and provide leadership focused on Christian community and culture, high-quality academics, and strong institutional effectiveness. Are you interested in growing as a leader that marries faith and excellence? I would love to connect! Dr. Jonathan Bartling JDBartling@trevecca.edu