On October 2, 2023, the Central Philippine University Board of Trustees and Corporation announced the election and confirmation of Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy as the 18th president of the University who shall serve the term from November 1, 2023 up to October 31, 2028.
Rev. Dagohoy, a native of San Jose, Antique, is the first pastor to become CPU president since the American Baptist missionaries.
Prior to his appointment as CPU president, Dr. Dagohoy, 62, served as an area representative of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, where he established trusted advisor relationships with numerous churches, academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and human care organizations in Southeast Texas.
He was also a senior pastor at the First Philippine Baptist Church and was an adjunct professor of Theology and Ministry at Houston Christian University (formerly the Houston Baptist University) in Texas.
Earlier in his career, he served as the CPU chaplain.
Rev. Dr. Dagohoy is an ordained minister of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from The Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth.
He has Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees from the Asian Theological Seminary and CPU, respectively.
He graduated with honors from the CPU Development High School Class of 1978.
The incoming president of CPU is married to a fellow Centralian, Dr. Cecile Gonzales Dagohoy, who currently serves as a senior business system analyst at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Their daughter, Faith Alexine Dagohoy-Bentulan, is a cardiovascular nurse at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Dagohoy had earlier identified spiritual vitality, academic excellence, faculty and staff development, student success and alumni engagement as the core of his long-term programs for the university.
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The appointment of the new CPU president reminds us of what the Bible says about leadership.
First, leaders should be servant leaders.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus sets the ultimate example of servant leadership. He, the Son of God, came not to be served but to serve. This principle teaches us that Christian leaders should have a heart of service.
True leadership is not about wielding power or seeking personal gain but about putting the needs of others first.
When we lead with a servant’s heart, we emulate the humility and compassion of Jesus. It means being willing to roll up our sleeves and serve others, just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. It is a call to selflessness and sacrificial love.
Second, leaders must lead with integrity.
Proverbs 11:3 reminds us that the integrity of the upright guides them. Christian leaders must maintain a high standard of honesty and integrity. Integrity is the foundation of trust, and without trust, effective leadership is impossible.
In our leadership roles, we must be consistent in our words and actions, always striving to do what is right even when no one is watching. Leaders who lack integrity not only harm their reputation but also undermine the faith of those they lead.
Third, leaders should continually seek God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This is a crucial aspect of Christian leadership. We often face complex decisions and challenges in leadership roles, and relying solely on our wisdom can lead to mistakes.
Instead, we should seek God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and seeking counsel from wise mentors and fellow believers.
When we submit our ways to the Lord, He promises to guide our paths. Christian leaders should continuously seek God’s will and direction, recognizing that God’s wisdom far surpasses our own.
Christian leadership is a calling that requires us to follow the example of Jesus by serving others, leading with unwavering integrity, and seeking God’s wisdom in all that we do. When we lead in this manner, we bring honor to God and positively impact those we are called to lead.
Let us pray for the leadership of the incoming CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. | NWI
