Trinity’s President Aaron Kuecker Named a 2025 Locke Innovative Leader
Wesleyan Impact Partners, a national nonprofit and church ministry partner dedicated to promoting the work of spiritual entrepreneurs, proudly announced its 2025 Locke Innovative Leader Award honorees, which include Dr. Aaron Kuecker, President of Trinity Christian College.
The award, named in honor of former Wesleyan Impact Partners President Tom Locke, honors the work of Christian spiritual entrepreneurs who envision new ways to serve their mission field and inspire others to join them. Locke Leaders are recognized for having proven themselves in innovation, living out a deep spiritual faith, and working at the intersection of faith and individual and communal transformation.
Kuecker was recognized for his work at Trinity, which aims to create entrepreneurial solutions within higher education and the communities it impacts. Wesleyan Impact Partners wrote: “Trinity is working to shift its institution – and higher education as a whole – toward an abundant mindset rooted in better connecting and receiving the gifts already present in Chicagoland. This approach to abundance, connection, and mutuality has produced upstream solutions for student loan debt and student wellbeing that have deepened the flourishing of both students and local partners. Among Trinity’s innovations are a 4-day class schedule that provides students a mid-weekday to pursue spiritual, social, academic, and financial wellbeing, and a radically transformed economic model that reduces tuition by 40% while also partnering with local businesses to minimize student loan debt through paid internships and sponsored degrees.”
“Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation have a long history of supporting vital innovation in communities of faith,” said Kuecker. “I have learned so much about Christian leadership and creative innovation from past recipients of this award.”
The award aims to inspire and strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering more significant innovation throughout the Christian community while celebrating the boldness needed to explore new ideas and embrace lifelong learning. By celebrating these leaders, the award aims to inspire others to pioneer fresh approaches that highlight individuals, strengthen neighborhoods, and advance the mission of the Wesleyan movement.
Tom Locke, the award’s namesake and retired president of the Texas Methodist Foundation, shared insight into the award’s history, stating, “With this award, we hope to shine a bright light on the work being done by nontraditional ministry leaders like Aaron.” He continued, “The reality is, we have a great respect for the work being done, and while this award recognizes the leaders, it ultimately helps to shine an even brighter light on ministries like Trinity Christian College and support the work being done in their communities.”
Each honoree is a proven innovator with a promising future who has positively impacted the ecosystem by working directly at the intersection of faith and transformation. Through versatile ministry, social entrepreneurship, and collaboration, Locke leaders focus on reaching communities and populations that are often overlooked or under-resourced, guided by a Spirit-led generosity.
“The Locke Innovative Leader Award is all about celebrating and empowering change-makers who embody the call of the Gospel and the spirit of the Wesleyan movement,” said Rev. Lisa Greenwood, president and CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. “We are inspired by these Locke Innovative Leaders and are learning from them how to lead the systemic changes needed for human flourishing and thriving communities.”
When asked to reflect on this honor, Kuecker concluded, “This recognition reflects the incredible work of the wider Trinity community. As we have worked together on innovative solutions to student loan debt, student wellbeing, and living as a neighbor committed to the mutual flourishing of our place, Trinity colleagues and students have been key catalysts for change.”
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