CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University has added Dr. Roger Huston to its ranks as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Relations and Rural Advancement.

In this position, Dr. Huston will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing community and economic development strategies and projects across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Huston will lead research, continuing education programs, and professional development efforts for businesses and nonprofits, build community and economic partnerships, and foster diverse community activities and economic initiatives.

“I am honored and thrilled to begin my position as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Relations and Rural Advancement at Campbellsville University,” Huston said.  “I am eager to work with stakeholders to advance our mission and vision.  As a premier Christian higher education institution, Campbellsville University is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the dedication and commitment of talented faculty, staff, and students working to lead, grow, and positively impact our area and region.”

Dr. Huston comes to Campbellsville University after serving at Kentucky Christian University as Dean of the School of Business and Leadership, the largest of KCU’s schools by student enrollment.  As dean, Huston led the school to increases in student enrollment, student retention, student graduation rate, and the number of students graduating with university honors. Huston led efforts to launch new programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the School of Business and Leadership.

Dr. Huston has also served as an adjunct faculty member working with doctoral students at the Liberty University Helms School of Government and as an affiliate faculty member working with graduate students at Regent University’s Robertson School of Government.

Dr. Huston is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Faith Works Consulting—a management consulting and leadership coaching company, and he is the Vice President of the Board of Directors at Global City Mission Initiative.  He was previously a board member of Love Thy Neighborhood, a member of the State of Iowa Board of Athletic Training, and a member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council.  Additionally, Huston has served as the Founder and Director of Testify—a religious education nonprofit organization, and as a Youth Director and Young Adult Director at two congregations.  Dr. Huston has also written and presented on several topics, including faith and work, faith and policy, higher education leadership, and nonprofit management.

As Assistant Vice President for Strategic Relations and Rural Advancement, Dr. Huston works closely with Dr. Preston Jones, CU’s Dean of the School of Business, Economics, and Technology.  “Dr. Huston’s impressive credentials include earning advanced degrees in Public Administration and Public Policy, the development of faith-based organizations, and extensive experience as a Servant Leader,” Jones said.  “Roger is uniquely qualified for his new role. I am thrilled to have him join our team.”

Huston graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with Honors from Simpson College in 2006, and he holds two master’s degrees.  His Master of Arts in Religion came from Yale University in 2008, and he earned a Master of Public Administration from Iowa State University in 2011. 

Huston also holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy in 2019 and will earn a master's degree in higher education leadership from Harvard University in 2025.

CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins, noting Huston’s experience in economic development, higher education, and business entrepreneurship, welcomed Huston to the CU team.

“We are delighted that he has answered the call to serve CU and the heartland of the Commonwealth through this new initiative in rural advancement,” Hopkins stated.  “He is a brilliant star who will bring skills, wisdom, and hope to communities across our state.”

“I am passionate about expanding equity and access for rural communities to high-quality education, healthy living, and socio-economic opportunity,” Huston said.  

He added, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Campbellsville University in this capacity, and I am eager to learn from and contribute to this vibrant and dynamic community…I welcome your feedback and suggestions as we embark on this journey together.”

In his spare time, Huston enjoys hiking, weight training, gardening, and building Legos. He and his wife, Shawna, have two sons, Noah and Micah.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.