Institutional Leadership
Guided by Vision. Accountable to Purpose.
The leadership of I AM University is committed to building an institution of lasting integrity — one that serves students well today while building toward an extraordinary future.
Our Leadership Philosophy
Servant Leadership as Institutional Practice
I AM University is led according to a servant leadership philosophy rooted in the model of Jesus Christ, who said: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Leadership in our institution is not a position of privilege — it is a posture of responsibility, sacrifice, and accountability to those we serve.
This means that our leaders are evaluated not merely on institutional outcomes, but on the quality of character they embody, the clarity of vision they articulate, and the depth of care they demonstrate for students, faculty, and staff. Leadership that produces results at the expense of people is not the kind of leadership we practice or tolerate.
I AM University is in an early, foundational phase of institutional development. Our leadership team is small and intentional — building deliberately, with a commitment to doing things right rather than doing them fast. As we grow, we will expand our leadership capacity in ways that always reflect our values.
Vision-Driven
Every institutional decision is tested against our mission and long-term vision. We build for the future, not only for the present.
Transparent & Honest
We communicate clearly about where we are in our institutional journey — including what we have not yet achieved. Integrity demands honesty.
Accountable to Governance
Leadership operates under the oversight of our governance structures, not above them. No individual operates without accountability.
Committed to Excellence
We pursue excellence in everything we build — not perfectionism, but a sustained commitment to quality, rigor, and continuous improvement.
Servant Leadership
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”— Matthew 20:26
Founder & Chief Academic Officer
The Vision Behind I AM University
Dr. Charles Lorbeer
Founder & Chief Academic Officer
Founder's Bio
Dr. Charles Lorbeer is the founder and Chief Academic Officer of I AM University. He established the institution out of a deep conviction that the world needs a new kind of educational community — one where faith and intellectual excellence are not merely coexistent, but mutually reinforcing.
With a background spanning theology, educational leadership, and the integration of emerging technologies into formational learning environments, Dr. Lorbeer brings both the spiritual conviction and the academic rigor necessary to build an institution of lasting impact. His vision for I AM University was shaped by years of observing the gap between the kind of education the church and the world need, and the kind of education most institutions are equipped to offer.
As Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Lorbeer oversees curriculum development, faculty development, academic standards, and the overall learning model of the institution. He is personally committed to ensuring that every program offered by I AM University meets the highest standards of both theological integrity and academic quality.
Dr. Lorbeer is also the primary architect of I AM University's accreditation strategy, working to build the academic, governance, and compliance infrastructure that will support the institution's long-term growth toward full institutional accreditation.
Focus Areas
Curriculum, Faculty Development, Accreditation Strategy
Commitment
Faith + Academic Excellence
Vision
A globally recognized faith-anchored institution
Institutional Offices
Two offices. One mission. Every decision made in service of students and the Kingdom.
Institutional Offices
The Offices Guiding Our Daily Operations
I AM University is organized around two primary institutional offices, each responsible for a distinct but complementary area of our institutional life.
Office of Academic Affairs
Academic Programs & Faculty Development
The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for the design, development, and ongoing quality assurance of all instructional programs offered by I AM University. This includes curriculum architecture, course development, faculty recruitment and credentialing, learning outcome assessment, and instructional technology integration.
The Office of Academic Affairs operates under the leadership of the Chief Academic Officer and is advised by the Academic Affairs Council — an advisory body of subject-matter experts and educational professionals who provide ongoing peer review and quality guidance.
Areas of Responsibility
- Curriculum design and development
- Faculty recruitment and credentialing
- Academic standards and assessment
- Instructional technology and online learning
- Learning outcomes and continuous improvement
Office of Institutional Development
Strategic Growth & Accreditation Readiness
The Office of Institutional Development is responsible for the strategic growth of I AM University as an institution — building the infrastructure, partnerships, financial systems, and compliance frameworks necessary to support our long-term vision. This includes our accreditation readiness program, governance development, and external relationship management.
This office coordinates all activities related to advancing the institution toward future accreditation pathways, including the development of institutional policies, self-study documentation, and compliance monitoring against applicable regulatory frameworks.
Areas of Responsibility
- Accreditation strategy and readiness
- Institutional policy development
- Financial operations and sustainability
- External partnerships and community relations
- Governance infrastructure and compliance
Faculty Development
Building Our Faculty Community
I AM University is actively engaged in the process of identifying, vetting, and credentialing a faculty community that reflects our institutional values. Faculty recruitment is not merely an HR function for us — it is an act of institutional formation.
We are building a faculty characterized by deep subject-matter expertise, theological integrity, and the pedagogical skill to guide students in integrating faith and learning. This process takes time and intentionality, and we are committed to doing it right.
Our academic programs are currently delivered through a combination of instructional design expertise and subject matter consultation. As our faculty community grows, course delivery will expand to include live instruction, mentorship, and research guidance.
Faculty Credentialing Standards
All faculty and instructional contributors at I AM University are reviewed against academic credential standards appropriate to their instructional role, consistent with the requirements of future accreditation pathways.
Faith & Scholarship Integration
Faculty are expected to affirm our Statement of Faith and to actively model the integration of Christian conviction and academic rigor in their teaching — not merely as an institutional requirement, but as a personal commitment.
Faculty Development Program
I AM University provides ongoing faculty development support, including orientation to our pedagogical model, training in online and AI-assisted instruction, and resources for faith-learning integration in their specific disciplines.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
I AM University is building a team of exceptional educators, institutional leaders, and administrative professionals who share our mission and want to help build something extraordinary. If that describes you, we would love to hear from you.
View Open PositionsWhat We Look For
- Deep personal faith and theological integrity
- Commitment to academic excellence and scholarly rigor
- Experience in higher education or relevant professional fields
- Passion for the integration of faith, technology, and leadership
- Collaborative spirit and servant-leadership character
- Alignment with I AM University's mission and values