Growing up in Los Angeles, Jael Chambers never dreamt he would one day become a college president, much less in some far-off place like Lancaster, Pennsylvania. But Chambers made the most of his God-given skills and abilities and nurtured them through faith and education.

Because of that experience and inner strength, officials at Lancaster Bible College (LBC) have entrusted Chambers to lead the college into the future.

"Education is the second most important thing that God has allowed me to experience," said Chambers. "None of my family members went to college. For me, going to college was the first time I could sit and not be judged. I didn't feel like I had to survive. I owe so much to education. It's hard for me to think where I'd be if I didn't go to college."

Recently, Chambers was selected to become the new president of LBC, which is located at 901 Eden Road, Lancaster. Chambers will officially assume his important responsibilities as the nondenominational college's sixth president on July 1, 2027, when current president Tommy Kiedis transitions out of the position.

Following a thorough application and interview process, LBC's governing board of trustees chose Chambers from a handful of fellow candidates. Since January of 2023, Chambers had been serving LBC in the role of executive vice president.

Chambers' selection was aided by a recommendation from Kiedis.

"There was a list, and I was on the list," said Chambers. "The board knew my work. I wasn't a stranger to the board. I was in a role that supported the current president. We've had three years of record-breaking enrollment. I think the board thought if they went external, it might take the college in a different direction. They wanted to be on the current trajectory."

LBC was founded in 1933 and counted 16 students among its original enrollment. There are currently 3,200 full-time and part-time students pursuing degrees at LBC, both in person and online. LBC offers 32 professional programs, 18 of which are ministry and Bible-related programs.

LBC is one of the largest Bible colleges in the country by enrollment, and second only to Millersville University in Lancaster County in total college enrollment.

"Most people don't know who their president is when they're in college," said Chambers, a resident of Manheim Township. "The president is responsible for direction and the fiscal wellness of the college, and the mission and the vision of the future for the college. It is a lot of responsibility, but I don't feel like I'm in it alone."

Chambers holds a bachelor's degree in Christian ministries from George Fox University in Newburg, Ore., and a master's degree in urban studies from Eastern University in St. David's, Pa. He also earned an executive women in leadership certificate and a diversity and inclusion for HR certificate from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

"I don't think there's any campus like LBC's," said Chambers. "If you step on campus, you're going to have people talk to you. You're going to have eye contact. I just love the students. Education changed my life, and I don't see me being here without God guiding my journey and without an education."

For additional information, go to http://www.lbc.edu.