Calvary University Board of Trustees Announces Presidential Transition

December 8, 2025

The Calvary University Board of Trustees announces that Dr. Alexander Granados has submitted his resignation as President of Calvary University, effective December 31, 2025, and that the Board has accepted his resignation. Dr. Granados and his wife are returning to Los Angeles, California to care for her aging and ailing parents. We fully affirm and support their decision. Dr. Granados has accepted the Director of Strategic Initiatives position at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

Dr. Granados has faithfully served Calvary University with distinction, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the University’s mission of preparing Christians to live and serve in the church and the world according to a biblical worldview. During his tenure, he has guided the institution through significant milestones, strengthened its academic and spiritual foundations, and advanced the University’s vision with integrity and humility.

The Board expresses its deep gratitude for Dr. Granados’s leadership, his pastoral heart, and his dedication to the students, faculty, staff, and broader Calvary community. We affirm that he leaves the presidency in good standing, with the full respect and appreciation of the Board of Trustees.

The Board has appointed Dr. Teddy Bitner as Interim President, effective January 1, 2026. In the coming weeks, the Board will initiate a transition plan and launch of a national search for the next president of Calvary University. Additional details will be communicated as they become available.

We invite the Calvary community to join us in praying for Dr. Granados and his family as they pursue the next chapter of God’s calling on their lives, and for the University during this season of transition.

Leadership

Meet Dr. Teddy Bitner

Dr. Teddy Bitner graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelors (BS) in Business Administration, Wheaton College with a Master of Arts (MA) in Christian Ministry, the US Army Command and General Staff College with a Master of Military Art and Science (MMAS) in History, Trinity Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Aspen University with a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership. He is also a graduate of the US Army War College.

More About Dr. Bitner

Dr. Teddy Bitner

President, Professor of History

Meet the President’s Leadership Team

Matthew Brown

Athletic Director, Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Randy Grimm

Chief Operations Officer, Interim Chief Development Officer

Tasha Young

Chief Financial Officer

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Vic Borden
Dr. Victor Borden – Chairman

Senior Pastor, Red Bridge Baptist Church

Kansas City, Missouri

Michael Warkentien
Michael Warkentien – Vice-Chairman

Owner, A1 Window Tinting LLC

Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Dr. Tim Mace – Secretary

Senior Pastor, Emmaus Church

North Newton, Kansas

Members at Large

ascher dwight
Rev. Dwight Ascher

Pastor, Grace Baptist Church

St. Anne, Illinois

Vic Borden
Dr. Victor Borden – Chairman

Senior Pastor, Red Bridge Baptist Church

Kansas City, Missouri

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Dr. Clay Bowlin

Senior Pastor, Northwest Bible Church

Parkville, Missouri

Gracia Burnham
Gracia Burnham

Author, Director Gracia Burnham Ministries

Rose Hill, Kansas

Shea Houdmann

CEO, Got Questions Ministries

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Dr. Tim Mace – Secretary

Senior Pastor, Emmaus Church

North Newton, Kansas

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Scott Phillips

Owner and Manager of Phillips Farms, LLC

Drexel, Missouri

Antoine Richardson
Dr. Antoine Richardson

President of Carver Baptist Bible College and Seminary

Raymore, Missouri

Michael Warkentien
Michael Warkentien – Vice-Chairman

Owner, A1 Window Tinting LLC

Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Scott Wright

God’s School of Cincinnati, Ohio, Consultant; Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, Consultant

Belton, Missouri

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