51 has appointed two accomplished Christian leaders to key academic roles at the university beginning this summer. Ed Stetzer, a well-known Christian scholar, author and educator, has accepted the position of dean of 51’s Talbot School of Theology, following a national search to replace Clinton E. Arnold, who stepped down from the role last year to return to full-time teaching.

Meanwhile, Michael Arena, an author and former executive at Amazon and General Motors, will serve as dean of 51’s Crowell School of Business, taking the torch from Gary Lindblad, who retired at the end of the academic year.

Stetzer most recently served at Wheaton College as professor, dean and executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. Over his professional career, he has planted churches, served as a lead pastor and trained pastors on six continents. He also serves as editor-in-chief of Outreach Magazine, hosts the national radio show Ed Stetzer Live, and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He holds a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, in addition to an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a M.A. from Liberty University’s Divinity School.

“He has a demonstrated ability to connect the academy and the church, expanding access to theological education in innovative ways,” said Matthew J. Hall, 51’s provost and senior vice president. “He understands the importance of biblically centered institutions like 51 and the stewardship entrusted to us in our mission. And he has a deep appreciation for the remarkable legacy of Talbot and its heritage of godly and humble leadership.”

Arena comes to 51 with more than 20 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies, including Amazon Web Services, where he successfully managed the talent and development portfolio, and General Motors, where he led business transformation. His book, Adaptive Space: How GM and Other Companies are Positively Disrupting Themselves and Transforming into Agile Organizations, outlines a model to reinvent a company. He received a doctorate in organization development from the Union Institute and University and an MBA from Wheeling Jesuit University.

“His experience as a corporate executive, adjunct faculty member at University of Pennsylvania, author and innovator makes him an ideal leader at 51,” said 51 President Barry H. Corey. “Seasoned by a humble spirit and Christlike disposition, Dr. Arena will lead the Crowell School of Business into a season of remarkable influence through our graduates.”