Concordia University Texas announced on September 16 that its Board of Regents named Kristi Kirk as president and CEO.
Kristi Kirk becomes the first woman to serve as president at Concordia University Texas – a first in the university’s near 100-year history.
“I am humbled and honored to be named president and CEO… I am committed to empowering our students to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action, and courteous leadership,” Kirk said. “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.”
Founded in 1926, Concordia is located on a 389-acre campus at 11400 Concordia University Dr. in Four Points and has more than 1,500 undergraduate students.
The Concordia Board of Regents announced Kirk as the university’s president and CEO on September 16 after a comprehensive, nationwide search. She replaces outgoing President and CEO Donald Christian (more on his impact at Concordia and future plans in the next edition of Four Points News).
“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,” said Rev. Stephen Sohns, chairman of the Concordia Board.
In her nine years as provost and executive vice president, 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, transparent tuition pricing structure that breaks down financial barriers for undergraduate students. The Right Call reduced the published tuition price by approximately 40% beginning with the current 2024-25 academic year.
Kirk was also essential in Concordia 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 are successful — especially Hispanic female students.
“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,” Kirk said.
Kirk began her career as an office admissions manager at Concordia in 1993. She became assistant director of admissions to vice president of student and enrollment services. As a proud alumna of Concordia, Kirk’s journey from student to president exemplifies her deep connection to its mission and values. This unique perspective enables her to lead with both professional expertise and a personal understanding.
During her time at Concordia, Kirk has also played a key role in strengthening partnerships with local churches and schools to support Christian higher education. Kirk has served on the Board of Directors for Concordia High School and Acts of Love. She is also significantly involved in her congregation at Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown. 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.