PROVOST

Houston Christian University invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost. The University is seeking a dynamic Provost who values teaching and scholarship at a Christian university dedicated to the pursuit of academic, professional, and spiritual excellence.

Houston Christian University (HCU) is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. We are a comprehensive university that is growing residentially and online. HCU is proud to serve the region by preparing students for professional careers in business, education, criminal justice, psychology, medicine/health, the arts, and ministry. Many of these programs continue to expand as they meet the needs of the city’s vocational sectors. Engineering and nursing, in particular, have seen especially strong growth and are key areas of investment for the university. For more information about the University, visit www.HC.edu.

The University is committed to preserving, strengthening, and integrating the foundational liberal arts in an environment that integrates faith and learning under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The successful applicant will share the university community’s active Christian faith. The University is an independent institution, historically associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The University is directed by the Ten Pillars vision statement; the Ten Pillars vision statement may be found at www.HC.edu/tenpillars.

Description

The Provost reports to the President and is the chief academic officer for the University, leading faculty activities and development including hiring, evaluation, and retention plans; renewing the community life and culture of the University; and engaging the marketplace through strategic higher ed and industry partnerships. The Provost will foster innovative undergraduate and graduate program development and ensure the highest standards of educational quality. With direct administrative oversight of six academic schools, the core curriculum and Honors College, the registrar, library, student life and spiritual life activities, career and student success services, online instruction and development, and university retention plans, the Provost will ensure strategic leadership and efficient resource management and budget oversight.

Responsibilities

The Provost serves as an educational catalyst by working directly with deans, faculty, and major committees and councils to develop the academic vision, manage academic programs, and advance the University’s academic priorities aligned with the University’s mission and strategic plan. Responsibilities also include administration, coordination, and evaluation of academic units and programs, both residential and online. The Provost will work closely with the VP for Adult & Graduate Studies, who oversees the marketing, enrollment, and expansion of our online and graduate programs. The Provost provides leadership in the University’s comprehensive institutional assessment, planning, and quality improvement processes. The Provost also coordinates the allocation of faculty and additional academic positions as well as other resources for academic units and programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• An earned doctoral degree in an academic discipline or terminal degree;

• Administrative experience and a history of leadership success in higher education;

• Ability to communicate the university’s academic mission effectively with a variety of university and community constituencies;

• Clear judgment in shaping and articulating the university’s values and executing the university’s vision;

• Distinct appreciation for and commitment to the value of a liberal arts education;

• Higher education teaching experience shaped by scholarship;

• Exemplary scholarly and professional achievement;

• An active Christian faith and commitment to the integration of Christian faith and learning; and

• A thoughtful articulation of the Christian message to the student body.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of ability to work with a diverse student body and faculty;

• State and national visibility in the candidate’s own discipline;

• Record of success in obtaining external support for scholarly or creative activities;

• The ability to engage in creative initiatives for the university;

• The ability to incorporate technologies into the educational process;

• Experience in strategic planning, goal setting, and attainment of organizational objectives; and

• The ability to integrate a Christian worldview into the academic life of the University.

Values and Skills:

• Personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, compassion, resilience, team-work, energy, and diplomacy;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence;

• Collaborative, inclusive, and collegial leadership style;

• Strong problem-solving and critical and creative thinking skills;

• The desire and ability to be a creative force for change;

• A willingness and capacity to advocate for academic programs and faculty.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong Christian faith and a commitment to the Ten Pillars vision (www.HC.edu/tenpillars), including an active interest in advancing the liberal arts tradition and growing the graduate school, including doctoral programs.

Submission of Materials:

Applicants for the position should email a letter of interest that addresses the description of the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and characteristics listed above; and a curriculum vitae including name and contact information for at least three references to Linda Clark (lclark@hc.edu) with the email subject heading “HCU Provost Search.”

Until the applicant’s permission is obtained, all applications will be treated confidentially. Review of letters of interest will begin on April 14, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to fill out a complete application. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate will assume office on or before August 1, 2026. Notice of vacancy does not mean the University is required to respond to the conditions or requirements as described.

Disclaimer

Background checks are performed on every new hire. Submission of a Background Check is required for any applicant selected to continue with the interviewing process. If the applicant declines to submit a background check form, the application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application, the applicant understands and accepts this process.