Zollikon Institute Staff

With a strong background in conservative Anabaptist education and a deep commitment to Anabaptist values, Dean Taylor brings a wealth of experience in leadership, ministry, and teaching. He holds a B.A. in Nursing and an M.A. in Anesthesia and is completing his doctorate at Evangelical Theological Seminary, focusing on the history of the Mennonite Church from 1850 to 1950. Known as a speaker, teacher, and author, Dean has spent over 25 years studying Early Christianity and engaging with students on historical theology. His transformative journey, including his service in the U.S. Army and witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall, inspired him and his wife Tania to leave the military as conscientious objectors and embrace the Anabaptist faith. As President, Dean is dedicated to advancing Zollikon Institute’s mission by fostering a nurturing and academically rigorous environment that empowers students to serve their communities.

As Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Zollikon Institute, Michael Miller brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, teaching, and legal practice. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Biblical Languages from Bob Jones University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Theology focusing on the intersection of apologetics and behavioral economics. Michael previously served as Dean and Provost, where he led the institution to successful accreditation and oversaw all aspects of its academic programs. His administrative career has also included roles as Title IX Coordinator and Assistant to the Provost at Bob Jones University, where he managed complex legal, accreditation, and compliance responsibilities. His professional journey also includes years of practicing law in South Carolina with an emphasis in business.

Beyond his academic and legal accomplishments, Michael’s life and work have been shaped by a transformative conversion experience that ignited his passion for ministry and education. He has dedicated years to teaching biblical studies, apologetics, and homiletics at both secondary and collegiate levels. His ministry experience includes preaching, leading adult Sunday school classes for nearly two decades, and engaging in Christian prison ministry. He is committed to discipling young Christians, believing deeply in the power of Christian education to cultivate thoughtful, kingdom leaders. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Santa Maria, California, where he teaches history. They have two grown sons and one grandson.

Cordell Weaver graduated from the University of Akron in 2023 with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education, emphasizing choral and keyboard. His musical passion focuses on developing students’ gifts in choirs that create meaningful worship experiences. In 2019 he graduated from Legacy Christian School. He lives with his wife Lauren in Dover, Ohio and attends Gracepointe Church. Currently he serves as Director of Operations at Zollikon Institute.

​Lisa Covington holds a Master of Science in Sociology from Longwood University and a Master of Science in Occupational and Technical Studies from the Darden College of Education at ODU, with concentrations in Psychology, Business and Industry Training, and College Instruction. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a management concentration. With 20 years of experience in higher education, she has served as a professor, curriculum coordinator, Assistant Academic Dean, Chief Academic Officer, and in various institutional effectiveness and accreditation roles. Currently, she is grateful to be serving as Chief of Staff at Zollikon Institute. Lisa is passionate about applied instruction, professional development, and fostering student engagement, and has prior experience as an entrepreneur and in administrative management roles in healthcare and manufacturing.

Mrs. Covington and her husband, Garry, reside in Alton, Virginia, and they have one son, Cameron. She is a Christian, saved by grace through faith and loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her family, her personal passions include lifting praises in song to God, her music devotional ministry, reading, blogging, and photography.