President's Cabinet

Education

• D. Min – Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 2020 

• M.A. in Business Management – Regent University, 2006 

• B. A. in Pastoral Ministry – Holmes Bible College 

Role at North Central

Williams has served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at NCU since 2022. He also serves as Director of the grant-funded Preaching Institute for City Transformation, part of Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative, which aims to foster preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides individuals in their Christian faith.

Bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in ministry, education, and organizational governance, Williams was confirmed as the next president by the Board after a national search process that included extensive interviews, leadership assessments, and discernment led by a board-appointed Presidential Search Committee (PSC).

Professional Experience

• Ordained Minister – Assemblies of God 
• President – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2025 – Current)
• Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at North Central University (2022 – Current)
• Executive Director, The Preaching Institute for City Transformation at North Central University (2024 – Current)
• Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter (2019 – 2023) 
• Vice President – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2018 – 2024) 
• Assemblies of God General Presbyter (2014 – Current) 
• Lead Pastor, One Church Lima (2006 – 2022)
• District Secretary-Treasurer, International Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God (2014 – 2020)
• Executive Treasurer – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2013 – 2018) 
• Escrow Department Manager, Chase Bank (2004 – 2006)
• Customer Service Quality Coach, Chase Bank (2000 – 2004)

Personal Information

Darnell K. Williams, Sr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. A lifelong Browns fan, he has been married to Charlene Williams since 1993. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Adrian (Darnell Jr.). Prior to serving as a professor at NCU, Darnell and Charlene spent nearly 30 years of ministry in the role of Lead Pastors, serving churches in Columbus, Ohio (1994-2006) and Lima, Ohio (2006 -2022). Darnell has a passion for practical leadership principles, the multiethnic church, and addressing obstacles to those engaged in Urban Ministry. 

Education

• Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership and Administration, Bethel University
• MA, English, University of St. Thomas
• B.S., English, Literature and Writing Concentrations, University of North Central

Role at NCU

Dr. Libengood provides oversight on HLC accreditation, institutional research, faculty affairs, curriculum development, and strategic initiatives that enhance academic quality and innovation. She partners with faculty in serving our students well through continued improvement in academics. Her commitment to fostering welcoming learning environments and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration has made a significant impact on North Central.

Areas of oversight include Academics, Registrar, Athletics, Student Development, Spiritual Life and Multicultural Engagement.

Professional Experience

• Provost
• Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, North Central University
• Assistant Professor, English, North Central University

Personal Information

Dr. Libengood and her husband, Lance, who is a 2005 North Central University graduate, have six children. You can read more about their family here.

Education

• M.A., Strategic Leadership, North Central University
• B.S., Youth Ministry, North Central University

Role at NCU

Vice President Bethany Harshbarger oversees areas highly impacted by the challenges and opportunities facing higher education. Her teams are tackling new realities head-on through a variety of innovative initiatives. “We are excited to continue to improve our processes and student experiences in all areas,” Harshbarger said. Her effort in collaborating and executing the rollout of our new “One Stop” student services model has provided a streamlined path for students to access the NCU services they need. With One Stop, new recruitment initiatives, and enhanced marketing resources, we are positioned for an excellent future!

Areas of oversight include Admissions, Student Financial Services, Retention, ad Marketing and Communications.

Professional Experience

Vice President Harshbarger has been at North Central for 10 years, serving in multiple roles in Admissions, including Director, and most recently as Executive Director of Enrollment. She is also a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God.

Role at NCU

Kate Ketterling joined NCU in 2018, where she initially served as the Director of Human Resources, Executive Director of Human Resources, and now Vice President of HR & Operations. Ketterling’s core competencies revolve around process creation, creative problem-solving, and promoting workplace health. Her multifaceted career reflects a commitment to excellence in diverse professional domains. She has successfully navigated challenging situations. She helped lead our covid response, chaired the Title IX committee, and orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of the Human Resources department.

Areas of oversight include both the Human Resources and Operations divisions, including the Directors and Executive Directors of Operations, Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Security, Information Technology and Innovation, Media Production, Copy and Mailing Services, and Housekeeping and Events.

Professional Experience

Vice President Ketterling has been at North Central for 5 years in the Department of Human Resources. She is a proud alumna of NCU and her dedication to the school is deeply ingrained.

Before coming to NCU, Ketterling worked in Human Resources with Stephens Inc., a prominent family-owned financial services firm. After becoming a mother, she dedicated the majority of her time to raising her four children. During their formative years, she contributed her skills to AG Financial, offering administrative support for church and para-church organization fundraising. In addition, she made contributions to the real estate sector, specializing in staging and marketing strategies. 

Throughout her career, Ketterling has been actively involved in various part-time and volunteer roles. She has lent her expertise to organizations such as Christian Heritage Academy, Inner City Christian Ministries, and River Valley Church, providing valuable support in administration, event planning, and human resources. 

Ron Meyer brings extensive executive financial experience to his role as CFO. He supports NCU’s financial planning and resource stewardship with wisdom and clarity, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the university.