George Fox University Welcomes Kimberly Thornbury and Rick Darden to its Board of Trustees

New appointments bring deep experience in higher education governance, philanthropic strategy, and pastoral leadership

NEWBERG, Ore. — Kimberly Thornbury, a vice president at Murdock Charitable Trust, and Rick Darden, a Friends church leader in the Southwest, are joining the George Fox University Board of Trustees. Together, the leaders bring extensive experience in Christian higher education, strategic governance, pastoral leadership, and denominational partnership to support the university's mission and future growth.

Thornbury joins the board with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and strategic philanthropic governance. Currently serving as vice president for programs and partnerships at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Thornbury oversees portfolios focused on strengthening leaders and organizations across the Pacific Northwest through cross-sector convenings, strategic partnerships, and new initiatives.

Her background in trustee governance includes prior service on the board of trustees at Messiah University, where she chaired the institution’s committee on education, served on the executive committee, and participated in the provost search committee. Thornbury holds deep familiarity with George Fox University through her work at Murdock, as well as two decades of professional connection with institutional leadership. 

Darden brings decades of pastoral ministry, regional leadership, and institutional partnership experience to the board. He has served as lead pastor at Friends Community Church in Brea, California, since 2002, following 12 years as student ministries pastor at Rose Drive Friends Church. His active leadership within the Friends Church Southwest network includes service as current chair of the leadership development team, former chair of the elder board, and involvement with the Brea Ministerial Association.

Darden holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University, Long Beach, and a master of divinity from Azusa Pacific University. His appointment further strengthens the collaborative ties between the Friends Church network in California and George Fox University, particularly through ongoing ministry partnerships with George Fox’s Portland Seminary.

In conjunction with these new appointments, current board members Andrea Herling, a retired higher education administrator, and Barbara Palmer, a seasoned bank executive, are transitioning to trustee emeritus status in recognition of their distinguished service, strategic leadership, and lasting contributions to the university community.

George Fox University, Oregon’s largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report “Best National University,” enrolling more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor’s degrees tailored for working adults.

Contact: 

Carly Reumann

creumann@georgefox.edu

503-554-2101