COSTA MESA
Vanguard University of Southern California has selected Murray Dempster as its seventh president. Current President Wayne E. Kraiss will step down June 30 after 25 years.
Dempster, chosen by Vanguard’s Board of Trustees, has been involved with the Costa Mesa university for many years. Before becoming provost in 1999, he served as dean of men, campus pastor, professor and vice president of academic affairs. Dempster also was a founding director of the school’s graduate program and was instrumental in the school’s transition from college to university.
The ordained minister received his master’s and doctoral degrees in social ethics from USC. He has published numerous academic and religious books and articles.
Dempster is a former pastor of the First Assembly of God in Fullerton. He and his wife, Coralie, have one son.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
