Dr. Rick Christman came to Columbia International University in May 2019 to serve as executive vice president of Student Services and Online Services. He previously served as the academic dean and associate vice president for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Christman is a graduate of God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, earning a Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.), and a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, earning two master’s degrees; an M.A. in Advanced Leadership Studies and an M.A. in Ministry. Additionally, he earned his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership) from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Overall, Christman has served 17 years in Christian higher education as a professor and administrator, and has ministered for over 25 years in the Wesleyan Church as a pastor and educator. He also has experience in the printing industry including plant manager of Foster Business Forms and Foster Commercial Press in Columbus, Ohio.
Christman leads with a passionate, conservative voice, caring for both the institution he serves and the people who serve with him. He understands the critical need for Christian higher education and the need to preserve and to instill Christian values and ideals into students from all walks of life and at different stages of life.
It is his goal to serve students on their educational journey, preparing and empowering them to fulfill the Great Commission in whatever field they serve.