Timothy Fuller Receives Houghton University’s Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award

In 1980, a newly minted Houghton alumnus began what became a lengthy and effective tenure in Houghton’s Admissions Office, ultimately impacting the future of thousands of Houghton students and the University itself. Timothy Fuller, a graduate of the Class of 1979, served Houghton in the Office of Admission for twenty-seven years, first as a recruiter and eventually as Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Tim completed a degree in History at Houghton, along with a minor in Bible. During his studies here, Tim came to love two things – Christian higher education and a girl named Carol Zimmerman, a graduate of the Class of 1978. Carol became Tim’s wife and Christian higher education became Tim’s calling.

During college Tim studied hard, but he didn’t spend of all his time with his nose in a history book. He enjoyed playing class basketball, and his thoughtful nature led to occasional contributions to the STAR in the form of letters to the editor. During Tim’s senior year, he exercised his calling into Christian higher education by serving the men of Gaoyadeo dorm as their Resident Director.

Throughout Tim’s employment at Houghton, enrollment grew, leading to some of the largest incoming classes in Houghton history. As an employee, Tim served Houghton much as he had as a student: a quiet but tremendous force. Between 1980 and 2007, thousands of Houghton students found their places and their callings at Houghton because of Tim.

One of those students, who later became a colleague and a friend, is Jeff Babbitt, Class of 1995. Reflecting on Tim, Jeff shared this.

I still have my acceptance letter to Houghton College, signed by Tim Fuller in the fall of 1991. Tim welcomed me to Houghton as a student, then again as an employee four years later when he hired me as an admission counselor. He taught me the importance of data and the beauty of a well-designed Excel spreadsheet. He was a model of humility and grace. He welcomed me once again, many years later, bringing me on as a research associate for his consulting firm, Fuller Higher Ed Solutions. He was larger than life, astoundingly approachable and humble, and a fellow New York Mets fan on top of it all. I’m grateful for Tim’s life and for his investment in mine.

With the skills honed during his tenure at Houghton, in 2007 Tim took on the challenge of serving as a consultant with Credo Higher Education, where he increased the company’s client base from 10 Christian colleges to more than 150 campus partners. In 2020, Tim struck out on his own to found Fuller Higher Ed Solutions, relying on his experience and expertise in enrollment, strategic planning and case building. In addition to consulting personally with over 100 Christian college campuses, for fifteen years Tim led ongoing research for NACCAP, the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals.

Tim’s passing in June cut short his profoundly influential career. From the individual lives of recruited students, to entire college campuses, to the landscape of Christian higher education across the U.S., it would be nearly impossible to measure the breadth of Tim’s impact. To those who knew and worked with him, Tim was far more than a wise and experienced voice: he was a friend with a wonderful sense of humor and a tremendously compassionate heart.

Colleague and friend, Troy Martin, shared this reflection.

Tim had a unique way of lighting up a room whenever he walked in. His smile and warmth were contagious.  He could completely envelope you in a warm handshake or hug.  He was able to connect with people in a way that I always admired. Whenever he met or talked with someone, they felt like he was totally focused on them and had an interest in helping them become the best version of themselves.

Throughout his forty-year career in higher education, Tim demonstrated exceptional achievement, coupled with the highest standards of faith and integrity.  This morning, it is our privilege to present to Carol Zimmerman Fuller, on behalf of her husband Timothy Fuller, Houghton University’s Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.