Kristi Kirk
{{Short description|American academic administrator}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Kristi Kirk
| office = 10th president of Concordia University Texas
| term_start = November 1, 2024
| predecessor = Donald Christian
| children = 6
| education = Concordia University Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Capella University
}}
Kristi K. Kirk is an American academic administrator who will become the tenth president and chief executive officer of Concordia University Texas on November 1, 2024.
Education
Kirk earned an undergraduate degree in history from Concordia University Texas.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Chloe |date=2024-09-18 |title=Concordia University Texas names Kristi Kirk as first female president, CEO |url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/north-northwest-austin/education/2024/09/18/concordia-university-texas-names-kristi-kirk-as-first-female-president-ceo/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Community Impact |language=English}} She completed a master's degree in American civilization from University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. in leadership in higher education from Capella University. Her 2013 dissertation was titled, The Changing Nature Of Church College Relations: A History And Case Study Of Concordia University Texas.{{Cite thesis |last=Kirk |first=Kristi K. |title=The Changing Nature Of Church College Relations: A History And Case Study Of Concordia University Texas |date=2013 |degree=Ph.D. |publisher=Capella University |oclc=6001127219}} Thomas Bourque was her doctoral advisor.
Career
Kirk began her career at Concordia University Texas in 1993 as the admissions office manager while completing her studies. Over the following years, she held various administrative roles, including assistant director of admissions and vice president of student and enrollment services. In July 2015, she was appointed provost and executive vice president of the university.{{Cite web |last=Becerra |first=Stephanie |date=2024-09-17 |title=Dr. Kristi Kirk named first female president and CEO of Concordia University Texas |url=https://www.cbsaustin.com/news/local/dr-kristi-kirk-named-first-female-president-and-ceo-of-concordia-university-texas |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=KEYE |language=en}} During her tenure as provost, Kirk oversaw several initiatives, including the Right Call Initiative, which reduced undergraduate tuition by nearly 40% for the 2024–2025 academic year. In May 2023, she also helped secure a $2.71 million Title V grant for the Concordia Con Corazón project, designed to support Hispanic and low-income students.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abigail |date=2024-09-17 |title=Concordia University Texas names 1st female president |url=https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/concordia-university-texas-names-1st-female-president/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=KXAN Austin |language=en-US}}
Kirk is the incoming tenth president and chief executive officer of Concordia University Texas, set to take office on November 1, 2024. She will be the first woman to hold the position in the university's history, succeeding Donald Christian, who will retire after nearly 20 years of service.
Personal life
Kirk is married to Daniel Kirk, and they have six children. The couple is also licensed foster parents. Kirk serves on the board of directors for Concordia Lutheran High School and the nonprofit organization Acts of Love.
References
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Category:Year of birth missing (living people)
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)
Category:Concordia University Texas alumni
Category:University of Texas at Austin alumni
Category:Capella University alumni
Category:Concordia University Texas faculty
Category:Women heads of universities and colleges
Category:Heads of universities and colleges in the United States