Concordia University Texas names Dr. Kristi Kirk as president and CEO in a historic appointment

Kirk is the first female president in the University's 100-year history

AUSTIN, Texas-Concordia University Texas today announced that its Board of Regents has named Dr. Kristi Kirk as president and CEO, the 10th executive leader in the University's nearly 100-year history. Kirk, who has served as the University's provost and executive vice president since July 2015, becomes the first woman to serve as president at Concordia University Texas. This appointment comes after a comprehensive, nationwide search, reflecting a rigorous and multi-faceted process to select the University's next leader. She replaces outgoing President and CEO Dr. Donald Christian, who is set to retire. A formal inauguration and press conference to introduce Kirk in her new role will be announced at a later date.

Kirk has more than three decades of experience in higher education, having progressed through a diverse range of roles that have widened the doors to higher education in Central Texas, providing greater access to education.

"For more than 30 years, Dr. Kirk has been a stalwart champion of Concordia University Texas, advancing and bolstering higher education opportunities for thousands of students in an environment that welcomes and values Christ our Lord," Rev. Dr. Stephen Sohns, chairman of the Concordia Texas Board of Regents, said. "Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment will continue to make Concordia University Texas a higher education leader in the Central Texas region."

In her nine years as provost and executive vice president, as well as the first woman to hold that position in the University's history, Kirk spearheaded landmark initiatives that made higher education more attainable for people of all backgrounds. In October 2023, she was instrumental in launching The Right Call Initiative, which implements a new, simplified tuition pricing structure that provides transparency and breaks down financial barriers to further increase access for undergraduate students. The Right Call reduced the University's published tuition price by approximately 40% beginning with the current academic year (2024-25).

Kirk was also essential in Concordia University Texas, securing a $2.71 million Title V grant in May 2023. The funding, distributed over five years, will enhance the University's "Concordia Con Corazón" project, which prioritizes services and support measures to ensure that Hispanic and low-income students-especially Hispanic female students-who seek a post-secondary degree at Concordia University Texas are successful.

"At Concordia University Texas, we believe anyone deserves the opportunity to attain a higher education, and it has been my mission to fulfill this vision while reinforcing a culture that welcomes and values every student," Dr. Kirk said. "I am humbled and honored to be named president and CEO, which would not have been possible without the mentorship of Dr. Christian and the generous support of the Board of Regents and the broader Concordia community. I am committed to empowering our students to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action, and courteous leadership. Concordia Texas is a place where students of all backgrounds encounter Christ through a Christ-centered education and are welcomed and supported as they pursue their goals."

Kirk began her career as an office admissions manager at Concordia University Texas in 1993. She held the role for five years and progressively took on more responsible positions, from assistant director of admissions to vice president of student and enrollment services. As a proud alumna of Concordia Texas, Dr. Kirk's journey from student to president exemplifies her deep connection to the University's mission and values. Her own transformative experience at Concordia Texas, grounded in Christ-centered education, has shaped her vision for the institution's future. This unique perspective enables her to lead with both professional expertise and a personal understanding of the life-changing impact Concordia Texas has on its students.

During her time at Concordia University Texas, Kirk has been an active and engaged member of the Central Texas community. She has played a key role in strengthening partnerships with local churches and schools to support Christian higher education. In addition to her work at Concordia, Dr. Kirk has served on the Board of Directors for Concordia High School and Acts of Love, a nonprofit organization. She is also significantly involved in her congregation at Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to faith-based education and community service. Kirk also advocates for and empowers the next generation of leaders. She and her husband, Daniel, are parents to six children and have been licensed foster parents for five years. Together, they are dedicated to positively impacting their community as they continue to serve in ways that reflect their shared commitment to education, family, and faith.

For more information, please visit Concordia.edu/OfficeofthePresidentandCEO.

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