Hardin-Simmons University welcomed Jason Tolbert as its new vice president for finance, bringing more than two decades of experience in financial leadership, stewardship, and Christian higher education. Tolbert previously served 11 years as vice president for finance at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Before that, he spent 11 years managing endowments for Arkansas Baptists, helping institutions steward resources to advance their missions. As vice president for finance, he will oversee HSU’s financial operations and help advance the university’s mission through stewardship and strategic planning. “I love helping university leaders make wise decisions about how to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us,” Tolbert said. “I found my calling in Christian higher education, where the Lord has allowed me to use my accounting and financial skills to serve him.”
Houston Christian University will launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in fall 2027, preparing students for careers in a rapidly growing field. “I’m grateful to the college faculty for designing this degree that responds to workforce needs and prepares our students to be ethical designers and contributors to AI advancements that are transforming the majority of workplace settings,” said Katie Evans, dean of HCU’s College of Science and Engineering. Students will complete an internship and senior capstone project while exploring the ethical responsibilities surrounding artificial intelligence. The program reflects HCU’s Christ-centered mission by emphasizing the responsible development and use of AI. Graduates may pursue careers as AI engineers, data scientists, and software developers.
Dallas Baptist University will host a Zoom panel discussion, Sept. 30, exploring the challenges and opportunities women encounter in leadership and the perspectives they bring to leadership roles. “Women in Leadership: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Unique Perspective of Female Leadership” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. The discussion will feature three women serving in leadership roles in higher education, ministry, and Christian formation. Panelists include Norma Hedin, DBU provost; Monica Comeaux, chief human resource officer at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; and Amanda Walker, director of Christian formation at College of the Ozarks.
Pastors for Texas Children announced the appointment of Holly Gaskill Bandel as its new executive director, bringing more than 25 years of pastoral leadership, nonprofit experience, and community engagement to the statewide organization dedicated to supporting Texas public schools, educators, and children. As executive director, Bandel will lead PTC’s statewide work to engage pastors, congregations, and community leaders in support of Texas public education, strengthen church-school partnerships, and advocate for policies that serve the state’s more than five million public school children. Bandel has been involved with Pastors for Texas Children since 2018. Bandel currently serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Sachse. Her ministry has emphasized service beyond the walls of the church, particularly in public education, poverty, housing, homelessness, and other issues affecting children and families.
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