Dr. Hoag, a CCCU board member, was most recently the president of Warner University, a CCCU institution in Florida, from 2016-2024. He has demonstrated his lifelong dedication to Christian higher education through decades of leadership in Christ-centered universities, where he served in advancement and executive capacities. His record of success in accreditation, gift-giving and grant management effectively resourced the vision and mission of the schools he served as well as Christian higher education more broadly.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hoag served at four different CCCU institutions: Warner University, Trinity International University, Greenville University, and Asbury University.

Dr. Hoag holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Asbury University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky, and a Ph.D. in higher education from St. Louis University.

He previously served on the executive committee on the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) and the Council of Presidents for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

He is married to Joanna, his wife of 38 years, and they have two married daughters who are graduates of CCCU institutions.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

Representing Private, Nonprofit Higher Education Since 1976

NAICU is the only national organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C.

As one of the six major presidential higher education associations, NAICU's institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

NAICU's relationships, expertise, and credibility allow it to be an effective messenger for the diverse voices of its membership.

NAICU has represented this subset of American higher education on policy issues with the federal government.  NAICU's policy mission is focused on issues affecting student aid, tax policy, and government regulation.

To help meet these goals, NAICU staff meets with policymakers; tracks campus trends; conducts research; analyzes higher education issues; publishes information; helps coordinate state-level activities; and advises members on legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on their institutions.

Everyday, NAICU ensures the voice of private, nonprofit higher education is heard in the policy debates and conversations taking place in Washington, D.C. and around the country. 

Alliance Defending Freedom

Gregory S. Baylor serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is the director of the Center for Religious Schools and senior counsel with the Center for Public Policy.

Since joining ADF in 2009, Baylor has focused on defending and advancing the religious freedom of faith-based educational institutions through advice, education, legislative and public advocacy, and representation in disputes. He has testified about religious liberty issues three times before congressional committees.

Greg regularly comments on religious liberty and higher education issues in television, radio, and print media, including The New York Times, Christianity Today, National Public Radio, and network and cable news programs. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of the International Alliance for Christian Education, the board of advisors of the Museum of the Bible, and advisory board of the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing.

Greg earned his Juris Doctor in 1990 from Duke University School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif, with high honors, and served on the editorial board of the Duke Law Journal. He received his bachelor’s degree in Honors English in 1987 from Dartmouth College. Following graduation from law school, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Jerry E. Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He practiced labor and employment law at two large international law firms for three years before joining the staff of Christian Legal Society’s Center for Law and Religious Freedom, where he served for 15 years prior to joining ADF. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife (a medical doctor) and two daughters.

Building Confidence in Uncertain Times: 7 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for What's Ahead

With the enrollment cliff and intensifying competition, Christian colleges and universities must prepare now for a future marked by uncertainty. This session will explore seven foundational strategies institutions can implement to build enrollment confidence and momentum, even amid demographic shifts, rising costs, and a skeptical generation. From lead generation and financial aid strategy to communication tactics and data-informed decision-making, each principle is designed to help faith-based colleges not only survive but thrive this tumultuous landscape. Attendees will gain practical tools to ensure their recruitment funnels are full, their messaging is mission-aligned, and their systems are set up for yield. Most importantly, the session will highlight how Christian institutions can boldly differentiate themselves in a polarized world by proving—and living—their value. .

Trends Update: Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do

Higher education is navigating a season of significant change—and thoughtful leadership has never been more important. This session explores the forces shaping today’s higher education landscape, with a particular focus on Christian institutions. Drawing on current research and industry insights, this session examines enrollment dynamics, demographics, financial strategy, federal student aid, endowments, and emerging technologies such as AI, while highlighting opportunities to strengthen institutional resilience and mission alignment. Participants will gain practical perspectives and strategic considerations to help their institutions respond proactively, communicate value effectively, and plan with confidence for long-term sustainability.

Why Doesn’t The Campus Store Feel More Like Retail?

Why don’t campus stores more closely reflect the retail experiences students interact with every day? This question highlights a growing gap between student expectations and the traditional campus store model. Many students are accustomed to seamless, personalized, and on-demand services, while campus stores still involve challenges such as complex course material access, disconnected systems, and retail environments that feel outdated.

This session will explore how some institutions are approaching these challenges. It will look at strategies for improving access to course materials, including models like auto-fulfillment, and ways campus retail spaces are being redesigned to better engage students and reflect institutional identity. The discussion will focus on how these changes can influence the overall student experience and the role campus stores play from the first day on campus.

From Oversight to Ownership: Encouraging Trustees to Fundraise with Confidence

with Ron Haas, CEO, The Timothy Group

Higher education has never faced a more challenging season. Enrollment pressures, shifting demographics, public skepticism, and rising costs can leave even the most committed board members feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.

Equip your trustees with the tools, training, and Spirit-led boldness to make a compelling ask on behalf of your institution.

Leave with a practical framework for recruiting, training, and motivating trustees to give and ask.

For institutional sitting presidents

For chief academic officers

For all other senior executives