The Board of Trustees of LeTourneau University announces the retirement of Chancellor Dale Lunsford, marking the culmination of a remarkable 17-year tenure of dedicated leadership and service. With the successful completion of the quiet phase of our transformational fundraising campaign, Chancellor Lunsford has fulfilled his duties with distinction, positioning the University for continued success. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chancellor Lunsford and his wife, Marsha, for their unwavering commitment and the significant, lasting impact they have made on our university community. Their leadership, vision, and passion for LeTourneau have left an indelible mark on our institution, shaping its future for generations to come. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, we wish them every success and joy in their future endeavors. Chancellor Lunsford’s legacy will be remembered with admiration and appreciation by all who have had the privilege to work alongside him.
Dr. Dale Lunsford served as the Chancellor of LeTourneau University. As Chancellor, Lunsford advanced the university through sources such as friends of the university, alumni and other external partners.
Prior to this role, he served as the sixth president of LeTourneau University, from 2007 through 2021. With an unapologetic commitment to Christ-centered education and excellence on a global scale, he led the university's strategic vision to claim every workplace in every nation for Christ.
Under his leadership, several new academic programs were launched at the undergraduate level, including nursing, civil engineering and cybersecurity, while new graduate programs began in engineering, psychology and counseling.
New facilities included the Paul & Betty Abbott Aviation Center and the Corner Café student dining hall that opened in 2009, as well as the expansion of the Kielhorn Materials Joining Laboratory and the construction of the new 200-bed residence called South Hall in 2011. Most recently added have been the Allen Family Student Center and Joyce Family Athletic Village.
Lunsford was Chairman of the Longview Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas and the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities. He now serves as a director of Texas Bank & Trust and The East Texas Communities Foundation.
In 2020, Lunsford celebrated his 35th year in higher education. He was an award-winning business professor and academic journal editor before joining The University of Texas. The UT campus in Tyler led the state in enrollment growth during his tenure as vice president there. Dale and Marsha Kraft Lunsford have been married more than 30 years. God has blessed Dale and Marsha with two daughters, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.
