Dr. Don Christian
President and Chief Executive Officer | Concordia Texas's 9th Executive Leader
Dr. Donald Christian serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Texas, having assumed this role on August 1, 2014. With a career steeped in service to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Dr. Christian brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his leadership position.
His tenure at Concordia Texas has been marked by significant achievements and transformative initiatives. Notably, under his guidance, Concordia Texas attained recognition as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2019, a testament to its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Christian's strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping the University's trajectory, evident in the implementation of two comprehensive strategic plans.
The first strategic plan, "A Strong Foundation," focused on strengthening the University’s operations, growing a base of community support, and building centers of excellence across the campus. Subsequently, Dr. Christian spearheaded the "Build. Connect. Thrive." initiative, prioritizing student success, reinforcing the University's faith identity, and advancing its impact in the Central Texas region.
Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. Christian served as the Dean of the College of Business at Concordia Texas for nine years. During his tenure in that role, he oversaw remarkable growth in enrollment, the establishment of new academic programs, and the development of impactful initiatives such as a community-wide speaker series and the launching of Incubator CTX.
Beyond his academic leadership, Dr. Christian is deeply engaged in serving the community. He holds positions on various boards, including the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and has been recognized for his contributions, receiving the CEO of the Year award from the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2021.
Dr. Christian's commitment to service is paralleled by his personal life, where he and his wife Deb have dedicated themselves to the mission of Concordia Texas and Lutheran education throughout their lives. Moving to Texas in 1986, they have served in Lutheran schools and churches in both Houston and Austin over that time.
With a background that spans education, music, and organizational leadership, Dr. Christian brings a multifaceted perspective to his role. His dedication to fostering excellence, innovation, and community engagement continues to shape the future of Concordia University Texas and leave a lasting impact on higher education.