Dean Taylor has been appointed president of Zollikon Institute in Berlin, Ohio. He replaces Norita Yoder, who led Zollikon since it was founded in 2021.
Zollikon’s board of trustees announced the appointment Sept. 16.
Zollikon Institute provides educational services for Amish and conservative Mennonite communities. Accredited through a partnership with Malone University in Canton, Ohio, it offers ministry training and courses supporting an associate of arts degree focused on business and computer skills.
Taylor served previously as president at Sattler College in Boston for over three years.
His journey to Anabaptism began when he and his wife, Tania, were stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany.
Reflecting on seeing the Berlin Wall’s imposing presence in 1988 and then witnessing it being torn down, he asked himself what had changed.
“Why was it that last year I could have been called on to kill these people and this year they’re calling me brother and friend through the holes in the wall?” he asked.
This moment — along with a life-changing question, “What if Jesus really meant what he said?” — led the Taylors to leave the military as conscientious objectors and embrace an Anabaptist community.
They have worked with Christian Aid Ministries to address the refugee crisis on Lesvos Island in Greece.
Dean Taylor is a member of the ministry team at Crosspointe Mennonite Church in Baltic, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in anesthesiology. He is completing doctoral studies at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, Pa., with a dissertation on the Mennonite Church from 1850 to 1950. He has studied early Christianity for over 25 years and enjoys teaching historical theology. He collaborates with Historic Faith in Chambersburg, Pa., to provide online educational content.
“We are very thankful for the privilege of welcoming Dean Taylor to be the president of Zollikon Institute,” said board chair John Stahl-Wert. “Dean’s commitment to Anabaptist education, strategic vision and devotion to the church community aligns very well with Zollikon’s mission. His years of dedicated service to Anabaptist values make him an ideal leader.”
Drawing from his experience in international mission work, Taylor plans to lead Zollikon in engaging with mission projects worldwide.
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