Following a national search, the Board of Regents at Concordia University Texas has selected Dr. Kristi Kirk as the University's 10th president and CEO. Dr. Kirk, who has dedicated over 30 years to advancing education in Central Texas, steps into this historic role on November 1, 2024. As the first female president in the University's century-long history, Dr. Kirk brings a profound commitment to serving the local community by ensuring that students gain access to education and prepare to secure meaningful careers that help them thrive in Central Texas.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kirk has been a staunch advocate for expanding educational access, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Her leadership in initiatives like reducing tuition by 40% and securing over $2.7 million in grant funding has made higher education more attainable for Central Texans. But her vision extends beyond graduation: she is deeply passionate about ensuring that students from this region can learn here, grow here, and contribute to Austin’s dynamic and flourishing economy.

“For me, it's not just about providing an education," says Dr. Kirk. "It's about building a community where students are empowered to stay in Central Texas and become leaders, creators, and contributors to the vibrancy of Austin. We want them to secure jobs that allow them to stay here and invest in the very community that nurtured their growth."

Dr. Kirk’s efforts are closely aligned with Austin’s need for a highly skilled workforce to support its thriving industries, from tech to healthcare to business. Under her leadership, Concordia Texas is strengthening its partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community organizations to ensure that students are well-prepared for the professional world and that employers have access to a pipeline of talented, homegrown leaders.

Her passion for keeping Austin and Central Texas vibrant is rooted in her deep connection to the community. Having started her career as an admissions manager at Concordia Texas in 1993, Dr. Kirk has remained committed to building bridges between the University and local organizations. She and her husband are also licensed foster parents, demonstrating their shared belief in supporting the next generation of leaders through education, family, and faith.

Dr. Kirk is not only a leader at Concordia Texas but also a proud alumna. Her own educational journey was shaped by the Christ-centered foundation that the University provides. She experienced firsthand how Concordia Texas fosters academic excellence and spiritual growth as a student. This experience deeply influenced her personal and professional path, and she is committed to ensuring that future generations of students receive the same transformative education that equipped her to lead purpose.

As Concordia Texas moves forward under Dr. Kirk’s leadership, the University will continue to be a place where students of all backgrounds encounter a Christ-centered education and are equipped to make a lasting impact on their community.

For more information, visit Concordia Texas’s Office of the President.