Judson University has announced the launch of the Rich Mullins Center for Creative Christian Expression. Rich Mullins was one of the most influential Christian artists in the 1990s thru the early 2000s. He tragically died in a car accident in 1999. During his career, Mullins had meaningful connections to the greater Chicago area including the Judson University campus in Elgin. Mullins lived on the Judson campus for a summer while he was writing and recording new music, and he also performed on campus during his career.
“Rich Mullins was and still is one of the all-time greatest and true artists our industry has ever experienced,” stated Chris Hauser, Owner of Hauser Promotions and a 40-year veteran of the Contemporary Christian Music industry and radio promotion. “His influence goes far and wide. I am honored to serve in a capacity to find Rich’s spirit in young creatives across many mediums, with this team.”
The announcement was made during a special Judson University Chapel program on Wednesday, November 1. In addition to announcing the Center, the University and the Rich Mullins Center Advisory Committee also announced the inaugural Creative Community Weekend from October 11-13, 2024. The weekend will be an opportunity for individuals from various creative arts and expressions such as music, writing, art, poetry, comedy, spoken performance and other areas to come together to share their talents and craft as well as network and connect. The creative spirit of the weekend is reflective of Rich Mullins’ inventiveness, vision and authenticity. The weekend will also feature presentations and special features highlighting Mullins’ life and career.
The Rich Mullins Center for Creative Christian Expression Advisory Committee consists of the following individuals:
David Bunker: Essayist, poet, creativity coach, college professor and veteran of the contemporary Christian media, music and publishing industry
Dr. Gene Crume: President of Judson University Andrew Greer: An eight-time Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter, producer, author and television/podcast host
Chris Hauser: Owner of Chris Hauser Promotions
Lori Heiselman: Vice President of Public Relations for Angel Studios and Owner of Biscuit Media Group
Bruce Koblish: Founder-CEO of Willow Bend Creative, past President of the Gospel Music Association and Reunion Records, producer-arranger
David Mullins: Lead Preaching Minister at Colonial Heights Christian Church (Kingsport, Tennessee)
Michele Pillar: Author, speaker and three-time Grammy Award Nominated singer
For more information about either the Rich Mullins Center for Creative Christian Expression or the Creative Community Weekend please contact the Office of the President at Judson University at (847) 628-2002 or president@judsonu.edu. Judson University is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 36 miles northwest of Chicago, Judson is home to more than 1,000 students from over 40 states and 30 countries. Judson offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Judson has also been recognized as a “Christian College of Distinction.” With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.
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