Rev. Steven J. Brue, president of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is stepping down from the President’s Office effective June 30, 2016.
“After prayerful consideration, I have submitted my letter of resignation to the HLA Board of Directors as President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. An opportunity has come to be directly involved with family in the Twin Cities area, which we knew would happen sooner or later. We’ve seen many doors open as we’ve trusted the Lord for the right timing to do this, and are very excited to begin this new venture,” said Brue.
Brue has served as President since 2003, when Hillcrest was incorporated as a subsidiary of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Brue had previously served as Principal of Hillcrest Academy from 1998-2003, and as Campus Pastor from 1996-1998. Brue also taught as an Art Instructor at Hillcrest from 1983-1987. Brue served as pastor of CLB congregations in Briarcliff Manor, NY, and Moorhead, MN, from 1987-1996.
Brue remarked, “I will remember these years of ministry with gratitude and thanksgiving to God. I have always been impressed with the dedication and quality of our faculty and staff. It has been a privilege for me to work with them, as we’ve shared the mission of equipping students for a life of eternal significance. I remain very confident in Hillcrest’s current leadership team, and trust that the Lord will continue to use this school significantly for his glory.”
Under Brue’s leadership, HLA experienced significant changes in both traditional and international enrollment numbers, including a 27-year relationship with the Danielsen School of Bergen Norway, which has brought over two dozen Norwegian students each year to Hillcrest. Like many boarding schools in the US, Hillcrest has enrolled growing numbers of international students from Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. There is a growing day school population, and the residential halls house over 100 boarding students. Brue has also led an expansion of the campus of the private, Christian, college preparatory school from the lone “Castle on the Hill” to a “Campus along the River.” Campus improvements and expansion include a Junior High, remodeled Girls’ and Boys’ Residential Halls, new Maintenance Shop, new Student Activities Center (commonly called the “new gym”), remodeled classroom wing, and a recently completed Student Union, including a new commercial kitchen, dining hall, and student commons.
Brue earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College (St. Paul, MN, 1980), a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary (1986), and a Master of Science in education from Minnesota State University—Moorhead (2006). Brue is married to Linda (Senum) Brue, a 1977 graduate of Hillcrest, and they have four children and five grandchildren.
Rev. Todd Mathison is Chief Advancement Officer for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.