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VISION
FUTURE
for
the
a
“There are many students
around the world who want
a Christian education...
We want to offer them the
opportunity to get an ‘education
enlightened by faith’ from
Hardin-Simmons in their
native country.”
Dr. Christopher McNair Begins
Position as University Provost
When Dr. Christopher McNair '84 attended Hardin-
Simmons for his undergraduate degree, he knew he
had found something special. Years later, he felt God
calling him to return to HSU as a professor. In April,
McNair was called to lead the university he loves as its
new provost and chief academic officer.
As provost, McNair directs and collaborates with
deans from each of HSU’s nine schools and colleges
and helps lead academic innovation into HSU’s 128th
year.
“Dr. McNair is a unique and gifted leader, educator,
and scientist,” said HSU President Eric Bruntmyer,
“While we had a large pool of quality external
candidates, Chris is an outstanding example of the
academic depth present in our existing faculty.”
After graduating from HSU in 1984 with a bachelor
of science in biology, McNair earned his master
of science in neurophysiology at the University of
Texas at San Antonio in 1986, and his doctorate in
neurophysiology from the University of Kentucky in
1993.
An HSU faculty member since 1992, McNair was
named department chair of the department of
biology in 1995 and received tenure in 1996. In 1999,
he was named the first dean of the Holland School
of Sciences and Mathematics. Concurrent with his
leadership as dean, McNair has served as HSU’s
by
Grace Mitchell '19
14