FaithSearch Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Charleston Southern University (CSU), has chosen Guy Chmieleski as its next VP for Student Life and Dean of Students, effective October 15. Charleston Southern University is an independent, comprehensive Christian university grounded in the liberal arts tradition, affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
“I am truly honored to join Charleston Southern University as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students”, shared Dr. Guy Chmieleski. “I hope to help create a culture where every student feels a genuine sense of belonging and can discover God’s unique calling for their lives. I deeply look forward to working with this outstanding team to cultivate an enriching atmosphere where students flourish holistically, explore their faith in Christ, and integrate it into every facet of their lives. Together, we will ensure that CSU remains a highly sought-after destination for students, not just for academic excellence, but for the heartfelt care and spiritual growth opportunities we provide.”
“Dr. Chmieleski brings extensive executive experience in higher education and ministry,” said Kimberley Wiedefeld, Vice President at FaithSearch Partners. “He is a collaborative and faith-driven leader whose love for the Lord and for students is evident in every aspect of his work. His commitment to developing teams, partnering with faculty, and cultivating a vibrant campus culture reflects both his deep experience in student development and his strong sense of calling to this role.”
With more than 25 years of leadership in Christian higher education, Dr. Chmieleski most recently served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Church Relations at Friends University, where he led institution-wide strategic planning efforts, strengthened student engagement, and built strong partnerships across academic and co-curricular divisions. His earlier career included service in residence life and athletics, as well as ministry leadership roles at Belmont University, Pepperdine University, Asbury University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Dr. Chmieleski has also contributed nationally to the field through his service on the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Commission for Campus Ministry. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from George Fox Evangelical Seminary, a Master of Arts in Ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Bethel University.
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is a premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, ministries, and faith-oriented businesses. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Durango, Redding, and Rochester, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions.
