Office of the President

As you explore Vanguard University, I hope you will see the many ways that grace and thoughtfulness come together in this exceptional Christian academic community. For over 100 years, our commitment to the mind and heart has produced generations of students who are excelling in the workplace and making a difference in the world around them. Our investments in scholarship, innovative programs and excellent facilities are critical to being a nationally recognized leader in Christian higher education.

At Vanguard, we cultivate academic excellence, character development and global perspective as seeds of greatness in the life of every student. These seeds of greatness take root in a supportive and challenging learning environment. We are dedicated to walking with you toward the calling on your life. Together we look beyond the horizon to consider the needs of our neighbors and the nations. We invite you to experience how a biblically-based, transformational learning environment will prepare you to succeed and thrive.

Serving you,

Celebrating 10 years of transformational Leadership.

About President Michael J. Beals

Michael J. Beals, Ph.D., began his service as the 10^th president of Vanguard University—Orange County, California’s first four-year college—on August 1, 2013.

As president, he has enacted a bold vision for Vanguard to become the leading source of Christian higher education in California. Under President Beals’s leadership, Vanguard has expanded its academic programs, increased graduation rates, raised record philanthropic support, transformed the residential campus, strengthened the endowment and net assets, and ascended in national rankings—all the while remaining committed to the university mission “to equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.”

Michael Beals

View Full Bio for Michael Beals

University Strategic Plan

Now in our second century, Vanguard University aims to position our education programs and services, operations, and our campus and technology infrastructure for greater influence and impact in our region and beyond. We do so driven by our firm conviction that the Christ-centered education we provide transforms students and the communities they serve as graduates.

The Vanguard University Strategic Plan, Our Future, Together, seeks to guide the university in achievement of our institutional vision. This plan is anchored by three themes, each of which are supported by the objectives outlined in the plan. The themes emphasize the shared nature of the work head, as executing our strategic plan will be a collaborative process. For more information, click the link below.

Download the Our Future, Together Strategic Plan

University Leadership

PRESIDENT'S CABINET

The President's Cabinet is the executive leadership team accountable for oversight and management of the university.