Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is proud to announce the relaunch and renaming of its globally-focused ministry and leadership initiative as the Thomas School of Global Leadership (TSGL). This strategic relaunch builds upon a legacy that began in 2005 with the founding of the Thomas School of International Studies, which equipped thousands of Christian leaders for congregational, national, and international ministry.
Housed within MACU’s academic infrastructure, the Thomas School of Global Leadership will now serve as the new home for the Master of Arts in Leadership degree, with potential future development of bachelor’s and doctoral programs. The School will emphasize biblically-rooted, globally-engaged leadership development. The co-curricular arm, Thomas International Partnerships, will extend MACU’s global impact through exchange programs, study-abroad experiences, ministry training, and collaborative initiatives with Church of God (Anderson, IN) partners and other Christian leadership networks across the world.
“This relaunch honors the incredible legacy of Reverends Charles and Donna Thomas, whose mission work reached over 50 countries,” said MACU President Phil Greenwald. “We are committed to forming the next generation of global leaders who will carry the Gospel with wisdom, humility, and cultural intelligence.”
MACU is also pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. LeAnn Brown as the Chair for the Thomas School of Global Leadership, effective Aug. 1, 2025. Brown is a seasoned scholar-practitioner in organizational leadership and human resource management with more than two decades of experience in higher education and industry. Her faith-driven approach to leadership education aligns closely with the mission of the Thomas School of Global Leadership to develop ethically-grounded leaders who can influence organizations for the greater good.
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the Thomas School of Global Leadership at MACU, dedicated to developing global, Kingdom-minded servant leaders,” said Brown. “I’m excited to join my colleagues in equipping leaders who boldly integrate faith and purpose to transform their spheres of influence locally and globally.”
The relaunch comes after the program was sunset following the passing of long-time director Dr. Enrique Cepeda in 2023. Under his leadership, the school flourished as a hub of international engagement, especially in the Spanish-speaking world.
“This is more than a program relaunch—it is a recommitment to the Great Commission,” said Greenwald.
For more information about MACU and its academic offerings, visit www.macu.edu.