On February 24, 2023, Scott Hagan, Ph.D., president of North Central University (NCU) in Minneapolis, announced his resignation and plans for his next chapter. Before an audience of students, faculty, and staff gathered for daily chapel, Hagan shared his heart to focus on writing, speaking, and investing in the lives of his eleven grandkids.
North Central University, founded in 1930 in the basement of then Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle, is today a thriving, fully accredited university that is owned and operated by 11 districts of the Assemblies of God. Hagan is the seventh president in the history of the school, having served effectively and faithfully since June 2017.
“President Hagan has shared with me that he and Karen have felt a stirring in their hearts to transition into more time with family, writing, lecturing, and giving back to church communities. President Hagan will continue to serve as President until the Board finds his replacement,” said Shawn Dockter, chair of the NCU Board of Regents.
“We are grateful for Scott and Karen and their immeasurable impact on NCU. We are cheering them on in this next season, and we are trusting the Lord to continue to lead and guide North Central University into the future. He has an exciting future for this University and we can all begin to pray and rejoice in what He has in store!”
The Board of Regents has met and will be convening again next week to finalize ongoing steps in the presidential search process. Further announcements regarding the presidential search and the appropriate recognition of the Hagans will be released as soon as finalized.
Longtime leader and servant
Hagan is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. He came to NCU from California where he and his wife started Real Life Church in 2006.
Since Hagan accepted the presidency, he has led the university through an incredible chapter of turmoil in both Minneapolis and the nation. Hagan’s commitment to leading well with a focus on Christ was imperative for each situation and helped the university display what it means to be a good neighbor. Hagan’s leadership and focus on becoming a university that “looks like heaven” also moved NCU’s diversity rate from 18 percent to 33 percent.
Hagan led the university through the process of advancing digital education through Academic Partnerships and online initiatives. He also founded and championed the Grant-Pennington scholarship which offers free tuition to Assemblies of God World Missionary students.
Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Minnesota, Mark Dean said, “President Hagan has been a great gift to NCU, the MN District Assemblies of God, and to me personally. Over the past six years I have felt challenged and enriched each time we spent time together. His positivity has been a continual breath of fresh air during a challenging season. I am extremely grateful for his investment in the Next Generation at NCU. We are all better because of that investment.”
Gifted speaker and writer
Students, churches, and organizations all over the nation are continually challenged and encouraged through Hagan’s teaching, preaching, and leadership. He is an incredibly talented public speaker who can craft messages that bring both wisdom and humor that leave such an impact one is moved to tears.
A natural leader, Hagan has been drawn to the study and practical application of leadership inside and outside the church. He has written seven books on leadership, influence, and biblical topics, and since 1995 has written more than 65 articles appearing in publications such as Charisma Magazine, Ministries Today, Pentecostal Evangel, and Influence Magazine. He speaks regularly at conferences, seminars, and on college campuses. In this new chapter, he will be working on his post-doctoral research as an invite research associate at a top university.
President Hagan and his wife Karen have been married for 40 years and have four married children and 11 grandchildren.
Hear more from President Scott Hagan about his journey to this decision and his plans for the future.
