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PLAINVIEW, TX — 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University has named Dr. Joshua Switzer as vice president of strategic initiatives and innovations/chief of staff and assistant professor of management. He will begin his duties July 1 and will serve from the university's Plainview campus.

The newly created leadership position is designed to strengthen strategic planning, advance institutional initiatives and foster innovation across the university while supporting the Office of the President. The position will play a key role in implementing 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ's RISE strategic plan by helping coordinate university-wide priorities, encouraging collaboration across divisions and developing innovative approaches that support the institution's mission and long-term vision. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Switzer will teach management courses in 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ's School of Business.

“Dr. Switzer is an exceptional leader who understands both the mission and the opportunities of Christian higher education,” said 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ President Dr. Donna Hedgepath. “I had the privilege of working alongside him previously and witnessed his ability to transform ideas into meaningful results while building strong relationships across the university. As we continue implementing our RISE strategic plan, Joshua's experience in strategic initiatives, innovation and organizational leadership will be invaluable in helping 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ fulfill its mission and prepare for the future.”

Switzer joins 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ from Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Ky., where he most recently served as assistant dean for graduate programs in the School of Business, Economics, and Technology and assistant professor of business. During his tenure, he also held leadership positions as assistant vice president for strategic initiatives, director of special projects in the Office of the President, and special projects manager in the Office of the Senior Vice President.

In his administrative roles, Switzer led graduate business programs serving thousands of students, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, directed strategic planning efforts, oversaw marketing and enrollment initiatives, developed international academic partnerships, and helped launch innovative academic programs in the United States and abroad. He also served on the president's cabinet through three university administrations and played key roles in accreditation, strategic planning and institutional innovation.

As a faculty member, Switzer has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management, leadership, business ethics, diversity, entrepreneurship and business communication. His recent scholarship has focused on leadership, generative artificial intelligence in higher education and enrollment forecasting.

“I am honored to join 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University during this exciting season of growth and opportunity,” Switzer said. “51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ's mission of preparing students to live fulfilled lives through faith, learning and service resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Hedgepath, as well as the faculty and staff as we pursue innovative solutions that strengthen the university and enhance the experience of every student.”

Switzer earned a Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in Leadership and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from Campbellsville University. He received his Bachelor of University Studies with a business minor from Morehead State University.