On February 19, 2026, the Life Pacific University Board of Trustees welcomed Rev. Dr. Helen Easterling Williams, EdD, as its newest trustee.
“We are incredibly blessed to welcome a woman of such education, experience, caliber, and integrity to our Board,” said Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “Dr. Williams is a visionary leader whose depth in accreditation, innovation, fiscal stewardship, and faith integration will strengthen LPU as we advance into this next season of growth.”
Dr. Michael Whyte, Board Chair, said, “Dr. Helen Williams literally defines educational leadership. Her integrity, wisdom and commitment to excellence will take our incredible board to the next level. It is such an honor to have her on the LPU team.”
LPU Board of Trustees Meeting, February 2026
A Distinguished Career in Higher Education Leadership
Dr. Williams most recently served as Dean and Professor of Education at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. In this role, she provided vision and executive oversight for approximately 75 staff and 50 faculty serving more than 1,500 students and managed an annual operating budget of approximately $35 million.
Her tenure was marked by transformative accomplishments, including launching the University’s first PhD program in Global Leadership and Change, upgrading the institution’s Carnegie Classification to Doctoral/Research status, establishing multiple endowed scholarships, expanding fully online graduate programs, and redesigning curriculum and operational structures to strengthen both mission and financial sustainability.
Proven Expertise in Accreditation and Strategic Growth
Prior to Pepperdine, Dr. Williams served as Dean of the School of Education at Azusa Pacific University, where she led full reaccreditation efforts through NCATE and CCTC, secured national accreditation for the School Psychology Program, established the Emerging Technologies Center, and developed a multi-year strategic plan while raising significant scholarship support.
Her earlier leadership at the University of Delaware included revitalizing academic programs, expanding enrollment, increasing diversity among faculty and students, balancing budgets, and transforming satellite campuses into thriving degree-granting programs.
Throughout her career, Dr. Williams has consistently demonstrated the ability to align academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, innovation, and mission-driven leadership.
LPU Board of Trustees Meeting, February 2026
Scholarship, Service, and Faith Integration
Dr. Williams earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware and holds advanced degrees in speech correction and speech and language pathology. She is an American Council on Education Fellow and has published and presented nationally and internationally on global leadership, technology integration, faith-based leadership development, and educational innovation
An ordained elder in her church, she integrates faith and leadership across every sphere she serves. She is also a devoted mother of two accomplished daughters, a proud grandmother, and a mentor to countless young leaders.
LPU Board of Trustees Meeting, February 2026
Strengthening the Future of Life Pacific University
“It is a privilege and an honor to have been invited and duly elected to the Board of Trustees of Life Pacific University,” said Rev. Dr. Helen Williams. “I am humbled to serve alongside this values-centered, Holy Spirit filled cadre of trustees that are dedicated to decision making that strengthens the institution’s quality and reputation as it continues to educate some of our world’s most effective future leaders particularly as we traverse through this ever advancing digital age. The unified confidence entrusted in me is deeply appreciated.”
As Life Pacific University continues expanding in online, global, and church-based education, Dr. Williams brings invaluable expertise in governance, accreditation, financial oversight, strategic planning.
A governing board plays a critical role in safeguarding mission, ensuring fiduciary responsibility, supporting accreditation, approving strategic direction, and protecting the long-term sustainability of the institution. Dr. Williams’ experience and spiritual depth will contribute meaningfully to this stewardship.
Life Pacific University is honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Helen Easterling Williams to its Board of Trustees and looks forward to the wisdom, integrity, and visionary leadership she brings to this next chapter.
