Farewell to Sam Siple

The Board of Eden Christian Academy is pleased to announce that Samuel Siple has been appointed as the new president. Mr. Siple will be leaving his position as a vice president at Geneva College in Beaver Falls in order to join the Eden family, effective August 1.

After nearly one year of diligent work and prayerful consideration of over 50 nominees, it became evident to the search committee that Sam Siple was by far the strongest candidate. The Board of Directors is confident that Mr. Siple is God’s perfect provision for Eden. He brings with him not only strong academic credentials, but also he embodies great personal integrity and spiritual maturity.

"I believe that Sam will do an outstanding job as President of Eden Christian Academy," states board chair, Bob Van Kirk. "Sam has a clear understanding of the mission of Eden. He has the talent and vision for accomplishing all that God has purposed for us to do. Clearly, God as answered our prayers."

Mr. Siple joined Geneva in 1997, serving as executive director of public relations and marketing before being promoted to vice president for institutional advancement in 2002, responsible for resource development, alumni relations and external communication. During his tenure at Geneva, he led the development and implementation of the college’s first integrated marketing plan, which advanced the school’s standing in the marketplace for student recruitment. Mr. Siple’s management of fundraising has yielded over $16 million in less than five years. "It's been great opportunity to do what I love at a place I love for nearly the past 10 years," Siple said. "From PR & marketing to alumni and development, I trust our efforts have helped advance the external relations and fundraising for Geneva College."

As a strong advocate of Christian education, Mr. Siple earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast communication and his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College. In addition to his administrative background, Mr. Siple has classroom experience as a part-time instructor in the communications, English, and adult degree completion departments and served as advisor to the student newspaper for five years. Additionally, he is affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Christian Stewardship Association and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. "All of these capacities and experiences, I believe, have prepared me well for my next venture. I am looking forward to using these experiences and abilities to help Eden grow and thrive," said Siple. Eden Christian Academy is a growing PS through 12 college-prep school in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Eden is the largest non-parochial Christian school system in western Pennsylvania, serving approximately 600 students and their families at three campuses. "Eden's potential for development and passion for Christ-centered scholarship have excited and attracted me to this calling," Mr. Siple said.

He is currently involved in the community, working with numerous organizations including the Board of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, Children & Youth Services, and the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been active in various worship and ministry functions at the Chippewa Evangelical Free Church.

Mr. Siple and his wife, Donna Lee, seek prayer for themselves and their three children as they make the transition to the North Hills and become acquainted with the Eden faculty, staff, students and families.