In their just-released October 2012 issue, Christianity Today published a cover story entitled “50 Women You Should Know.” Among them are General Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon and Houghton President Dr. Shirley Mullen. What follows are the Christianity Today comments about Dr. Mullen by Mark Noll, professor of history, University of Notre Dame:
Shirley Mullen was first a force among Christian historians and then a much admired administrator at Westmont College before becoming president of Houghton College in 2006. In evangelical higher education, she is distinctive for the depth of her academic preparation, the insight of her institutional leadership, and the breadth of her Christian concerns.
The Nova Scotia native wrote a doctoral dissertation at the University of Minnesota on unbelief in the English Victorian era and a second doctoral dissertation on the philosophy of David Hume at the University of Wales. She has also been a promoter of Christian approaches to history, her contributions marked by the balanced seriousness that characterizes all of her work.
Under Mullen’s leadership, Houghton has strengthened natural sciences studies and begun social outreach programs. She has rebuilt Houghton’s relationship with Sierra Leone, created a partnership with AmeriCorps, has had Houghton’s renowned Christmas celebration put on in Rochester and Buffalo.
Mullen has not sought the limelight, but by excelling as a scholar, administrator, and actively concerned Christian, she offers a permanent effect for good in evangelical and academic communities.
