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Few would argue with the assertion that leadership makes a difference. Yet definitions of leadership are as varied as an artist´s palette of colors. Many who study leadership have included influence and progress toward a common goal as key ingredients. The challenges of leading in institutions of higher education are complex and unrelenting, which can result in times of crisis. Knowing how to navigate these dangerous waters, whether the crises originate from internal or external factors, and steering an institution to stability is not for the faint of heart. This work documents a leader at a small, Christian college who through his adaptive leadership style, ability to build trust through his integrity and relationships, and effectiveness in using times of crisis instituted positive change and innovation, led the college to a state of institutional stability.

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Jeffrey A. Gill, B.S., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D., serves as Vice President and Dean of Grace Theological Seminary. Previously, he was the Senior Pastor of a church in central Ohio for 20 years(1982-2002). He and his wife Kathy have two wonderful married daughters and sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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