Two New Trustees, One Shared Mission

Graceland University proudly welcomes Tom Hiles and Noel E. Sherer to its Board of Trustees. Though their backgrounds and paths differ, both share a commitment to strengthening Graceland’s future, living out the values of radical belonging, and supporting students in transformative ways.

President Joel Shrock embraced their appointments to the board, saying, “Tom and Noel embody the values and vision of Graceland. Their professional accomplishments and deep ties to this university will strengthen our board’s ability to guide Graceland into a bold and innovative future.”

Tom Hiles: A Lifelong Higher Education Leader

This appointment represents Hiles second tour of service on the Graceland Board. With a 35-year career in higher education, including 20 years as a vice president at three universities, Tom brings a wealth of leadership and fundraising experience. While serving as Vice Chancellor at the University of Missouri, his team completed a record-setting $1.4 billion campaign.

“I feel fortunate to have had a long career in higher education, and I hope to assist with Graceland’s fundraising campaign and strategic planning,” Tom said. He has already worked closely with Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Admissions Kristi Hettrick and her team, noting their “wonderful job” and praising President Joel Shrock’s new leadership team as “impressive and innovative.”

Tom, a Graceland graduate from 1982, also brings a deep family connection to Graceland. His father, Orville, devoted 25 years of his career to the university, and his siblings Barbara, Bob, Nancy, and Jeff all spent their lives connected to the Graceland community as faculty, staff, or alumni. “I am humbled and honored by this chance to help our beloved Graceland,” he reflected.

For Tom, “radical belonging” is central to the college experience: “Going away to college is one of the defining moments in life. I want prospective students to know that radical belonging means we accept you as you are with unconditional love and support.”

Looking ahead, Tom hopes to strengthen Graceland’s financial picture, grow enrollment, and increase the endowment. He also calls on all alumni to play their part: “I am calling on all Graceland alums to personally support these goals and their alma mater.”

Even with his impressive professional accomplishments, Tom keeps balance in life. A lifelong athlete, he still plays softball and enjoys golf, biking, hiking, and lifting weights. “It’s my happy place,” he admitted with a smile.

Noel Sherer ’91: Continuing a Family Legacy

For Noel Sherer, joining the Board of Trustees feels like coming home. Noel is a 1991 Graceland graduate whose life was shaped by the community and leadership experiences he found on campus. “My experience as a student at Graceland was special and made a positive difference in my life,” he shared. “Leadership roles like being a house president were formative in preparing me for future leadership roles and opportunities.”

Graceland has remained a family tradition for the Sherers. He met his wife, Alison, on campus, and all three of their children — Melissa, Adam, and Nicole — have attended Graceland, with Nicole currently serving as Khiyah’s house president.

Professionally, Sherer has served as a business owner, healthcare and long-term care leader, entrepreneur, and nonprofit board member. His recent role as Mission Center President for Community of Christ deepened his belief in the power of shared vision and values to transform communities. “I am hopeful that my experiences as a leader and community volunteer will be valuable as a board member and to the Graceland community,” he said.

When asked about belonging, Sherer emphasized the worth of all people: “I hope to listen to different perspectives, encourage inclusivity, and support a culture where every student feels welcome.”

His advice for current students reflects a lifetime of resilience: “You will experience disappointments and failures in life. These moments can be painful, but they can also be defining. Use them as fuel to overcome and create something even better.”

Sherer hopes to help Graceland continue to grow as a place where students not only prepare for careers but also for lives of leadership, purpose, and service

Looking Forward

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Admissions Kristi Hettrick added, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Tom and Noel already, and I can say without hesitation that they are both passionate about Graceland’s mission and dedicated to supporting our students. Their insight and leadership will be invaluable as we continue building momentum for the future.”

Together, Hiles and Sherer bring distinct experiences but a shared dedication to see Graceland thrive. With their leadership, Graceland’s Board of Trustees is even better positioned to pursue its mission — preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.