Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Anderson University President John Pistole will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, the university announced Tuesday.
Pistole became Anderson’s fifth president in 2015 after serving as head of the Transportation Security Administration under former President Barack Obama. He previously served as deputy director of the FBI (2004-2010( under former President George W. Bush, where he was deeply involved in the formation of terrorism policies.
In a statement posted on the university’s website, Pistole called serving as Anderson’s president an “honor of a lifetime.”
“I’m grateful to our amazing, dedicated faculty and staff, with each person contributing their unique gifts as part of the body of Christ,” said Pistole, who graduated from Anderson before getting his law degree at Indiana University McKinney School of Law. “We have been guided by a group of gifted trustees who have volunteered their time, talents, and treasure to help us navigate the rapidly changing world of higher education.”
During Pistole’s tenure, AU added 17 undergraduate majors, including cybersecurity and engineering, as well as a master’s degree in organization leadership and multiple certificate offerings, the university said. He also helped secure more than $7 million in grants to fund various projects.
The university said it is also on track to welcome a freshman class that is 15% larger than the 2023-24 academic year.
“President Pistole has provided wise and experienced leadership for Anderson University for the past decade,” Anderson Board of Trustees Chair Doug Talley said in written remarks. “With an eye to the future, he has worked diligently to position AU to make an impact in Indiana and beyond. His passion for students and his warm demeanor have made him a favorite on campus and with alumni, as well as city, state, and national leaders. The university and community are indebted to him for the way he has served selflessly and wholeheartedly.”
Pistole’s retirement will be effective June 1, 2025.
The trustees have begun a search for Pistole’s successor, though a timeline for naming a new president was not provided.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.