Harmon-McLaughlin Named Assistant VPAA

Graceland University is pleased to announce the appointment of Zac Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin, as its new Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA). Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin will assume this position in addition to his current role as Dean of the Community of Christ Seminary, a position he has held since 2019.

Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin graduated from Graceland in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and then completed his Master of Arts in Religion from the Seminary where he now serves as Dean. He went on to complete his Doctor of Ministry in Executive Leadership in 2020 from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He brings deep institutional knowledge, strong connections to Graceland’s sponsoring church—Community of Christ—and a proven track record of academic innovation and administrative leadership. His expanded role reflects Graceland’s strategic investment in the future of academic excellence and student success.

As Dean, Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin has led the Seminary through a period of growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the Seminary launched a new graduate program—the Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation—and created the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission, which has broadened Graceland’s reach to adult learners and professional leaders globally. He has also championed enrollment growth, faculty development, and strategic fundraising to support new initiatives.

In his new role as AVPAA, Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin will report directly to the newly named Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jill Fort, PhD assisting her in Graceland’s academic affairs division, providing leadership across budgeting, program development, faculty mentorship, accreditation, and strategic planning efforts. His work will be vital to aligning academic programs with Graceland’s mission and future vision.

“Zac brings a unique blend of strategic vision, administrative experience, and a deep understanding of Graceland’s values and mission,” said Graceland President Joel Shrock, PhD. “He will provide much-needed support across academic affairs and help guide key initiatives that move our academic programs forward. We’re excited to have his voice and leadership in this expanded role.”

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve Graceland in this new role as Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs,” said Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin. “This university has been a central part of my life and calling, and I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty and leadership to advance missionally-aligned academic programs and innovation that prepare students for lives of transformational impact.”

This appointment underscores Graceland’s ongoing commitment to academic innovation, student-centered leadership, and strong alignment with the values of the Community of Christ.

Additional reading:

• Read about Jill Fort, PhD, Graceland’s new Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty.
• Read about the Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University.