Indiana Wesleyan University presented Cheryl Bachelder, a recognized corporate leader and the former CEO of Popeyes, with the 15th annual World Changer Award on Wednesday, March 21 at the Society of World Changers Convocation. The event included music from the IWU Chorale and Wind Ensemble, the presentation of a life-size bust of Bachelder and a speech by the honoree. IWU also honored Bachelder with an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.
“Cheryl Bachelder is one of the world’s most successful businesswomen and a follower of Jesus Christ, who is changing the world,” said President Dr. David Wright at the convocation. “Without a doubt, Mrs. Bachelder’s life is an inspiration and reminder to all of us that initiative, vision, dedication, being true to yourself and faith in the Lord are the essential ingredients to a fruitful life.”
Bachelder joined Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen in November 2007, after serving as an active member of the Board for a year. She brought more than 35 years of experience in brand building, operations and public-company management at companies like Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza, RJR Nabisco, The Gillette Company, and The Procter & Gamble Company. She is known for her strategic thinking, franchisee-focused approach, superior financial performance and the development of outstanding leaders and teams.
Bachelder is also a woman of strong Christian faith. She describes herself as a “Dare to Serve” servant leader, evolving from two scriptures: Joshua 1:9 and Philippians 2:3. Her book, “Dare to Serve: How to Drive Superior Results by Serving Others,” was published in 2015.
Bachelder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She has been married for over 35 years to Chris Bachelder and they have three grown daughters.
At its core, the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University is to change the world for Jesus Christ by challenging and equipping its students to pour salt and shine light everywhere their lives take them. To provide a focal point for this effort, IWU established the Society of World Changers in 2003 to recognize individuals who are faithful Christians by example, use their professional platforms to impact their world for Christ and have risen to national prominence. Each year a World Changers Convocation is held on IWU's Marion campus to induct a new member into the Society and celebrate his or her accomplishments.
Previous inductees include television producer and author Robert Briner, neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson, author Frank Peretti, Hobby Lobby CEO David Green, founder of Joni and Friends Joni Eareckson Tada, gospel musicians Bill and Gloria Gaither and former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole. The most recent inductee, in 2017, was Richard Stearns, president and CEO of World Vision U.S.