Joe Stowell

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell III served as the president of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 2008 until his retirement in 2021. During his tenure, he sought to provide an educational experience in which students are intellectually and spiritually stimulated to engage their world with the love of Christ.

An internationally recognized conference speaker, Stowell has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus," "Following Christ," "Simply Jesus and You" and "Redefining Leadership." He also writes devotionals for Our Daily Bread. His life is marked by a deep love for Jesus, which is reflected in his desire to value people regardless of gender, race or class; to aid the poor and marginalized; to build a strong and vibrant community where the presence of Christ is evident; and to govern and lead in ways that engender mutual confidence and trust.

Stowell has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership. He served as senior pastor of Southgate Baptist Church (Southgate, Ohio; 1970-76), Bible Baptist Church (Kokomo, Indiana; 1976-81) and Highland Park Baptist Church (Southfield, Michigan; 1981-87). From 1987-2005, he served as president of Moody Bible Institute, with oversight over the undergraduate and graduate schools, Moody Publishers and the Moody Broadcasting Network. Following his time at MBI, he served as teaching pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago, prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone in February 2008.

Stowell also serves on the board of Wheaton College. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and has been honored with two doctor of divinity degrees from The Master's College (1987) and Huntington University (2011). He and his wife Martie have three adult children and ten grandchildren.