Contact: Janet Stump, The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), 719-659-7808

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Executive Board is pleased to announce today that Dr. Brian Simmons, vice president for university relations at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana, has been named the association's next president, effective August 1, 2009. Dr. Simmons' selection concludes an extensive national search conducted by the ACSI Executive Board.

"At the end of a thorough search and selection process," stated Board Chair Beth Elder, "Dr. Simmons clearly emerged as God's choice to lead ACSI in its next era of resourcing the Christian schooling movement worldwide. We believe that Dr. Simmons is personally called and prepared to lead the association at this very exciting, yet challenging, time."

In his current position at Indiana Wesleyan, Simmons is responsible for church, alumni, and government relations as well as all fund-raising initiatives. He is also the president of the Nehemiah Group LLC, a consulting firm that assists Christian schools with governance, strategic planning, technology, and integration of faith and learning. As an adjunct professor he teaches graduate courses at Indiana Wesleyan University and Columbia International University. According to Simmons, "My passion is to use my gifts, training, and experience to bring glory to God as I further the cause of Christian education worldwide." He went on to say, "I will promise before God ... to lead the Christian school movement worldwide with a sense of calling, devotion, urgency, and passion."

Before holding his current position, Simmons served for 10 years as the superintendent at Heritage Christian School, Indianapolis, Indiana. Under his leadership the school's enrollment grew from 1,180 to 1,600 students, making it Indiana's largest K–12 private school. Simmons led the administrative team in strategic-program and resource development, growing the school's budget from $8 to $12 million during his tenure. It was during this time that he was elected to represent the ACSI Mid-America Region on the ACSI Executive Board. He also taught and administrated for 14 years at Elkhart Christian Academy, Elkhart, Indiana.

Simmons was awarded a master's of science degree in secondary education from Indiana University, South Bend, Indiana, and a doctorate of education in educational administration with a cognate in educational technology from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. He and his wife, Bonnie, have four children--two sons and two daughters. Their youngest will graduate from Heritage Christian School this spring.

Simmons will succeed retiring president Ken Smitherman, who has led the association since 1996. According to Beth Elder, "Dr. Smitherman has been greatly used by God to expand the scope and reach of ACSI's services to member schools while positioning the association as an authoritative voice on education issues--particularly issues impacting Christian schooling worldwide."

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ACSI (www.acsi.org) is the world's largest association of Protestant schools. Its mission is to enable Christian schools and educators worldwide to effectively prepare students for life. ACSI leads its 5,500 member schools in 106 countries to greater effectiveness through a wide variety of services targeted toward school improvement, professional development, and the provision of resources for the unique needs of children.