Northwestern College names interim provost

Northwestern College has hired Dr. Kent Eaton to serve as interim provost for the 2015–16 academic year.

Eaton comes to Northwestern after serving as provost and a professor at Houston Graduate School of Theology and at McPherson College. He also previously was dean of the School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences at Fresno Pacific University; associate dean of Bethel Seminary San Diego; and a professor of church history at a seminary in Spain.

“Dr. Eaton has proven himself as a problem-solver who will provide strong academic leadership,” says Greg Christy, Northwestern’s president. “He is an excellent communicator who will reach out to build relationships with faculty and staff and develop strong levels of trust across the various areas of academics, student life and campus ministry. He will also help us evaluate academic structures that would better serve the college. In addition, Kent has a great heart for various cultures and ethnicities, and I am confident he will help move us forward as an institution committed to recruiting students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.”

Eaton earned a doctorate in theology and religious studies from the University of Wales, a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University. 

 “I’m excited about the mission and vision of Northwestern College,” says Eaton, who will start his new position in early August. “The college has a strong strategic plan, and I look forward to helping reach its goals.”

He says he was impressed by Northwestern’s people and facilities while interviewing on campus. “I met many dedicated faculty and staff who demonstrated the college is very centered on student success. And Northwestern has incredible, well-maintained facilities.”

Eaton replaces Dr. Jasper Lesage, who retired in May after 10 years of service.