Dr. Scott McDowell became the seventh president of Lubbock Christian University on April 1, 2020, following a national search by the Board of Trustees. On October 1, 2020, an investiture ceremony concluded a week of inaugural events to formally install Dr. McDowell as President of Lubbock Christian University.
McDowell has a distinguished 27-year career in Christian higher education. He came to LCU from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas where he served as Vice President for Student Life. Prior to joining ACU’s administration, he was the Senior Vice President of Student Life at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.
As an executive cabinet member for ACU and Lipscomb, McDowell increased revenue sources, oversaw multimillion-dollar construction projects, created innovative strategies for student retention, assisted in creating new academic degree offerings, as well as built and led highly successful teams. His academic experience also includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in theology and leadership. An accomplished public speaker, McDowell has presented on leadership, faith, and higher education at a number of prestigious events, summits, and conferences, including the Thomas H. Olbricht Christian Scholars Conference and the Baylor Leadership Summit.
McDowell received his bachelor’s degree from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee and his Master of Arts in Religion from Lipscomb University. He earned his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. He has been married to Kay (Owen) for 30 years. Kay, a seasoned PR professional, is Chief Brand Officer at Mitchell Communications. They have three sons—Alec, a project engineer for Swisslog in Nashville; Cade, a student at LCU and member of the men’s basketball team; and Cole, who attends Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky as a member of the football team.
Inauguration Week
The week of the inauguration was launched with 24-Hours of Prayer to pray for by name every student, faculty, staff, and employee that is a part of LCU. The LCU community clearly saw from the beginning of President McDowell's time on campus that he has a heart for people. One of his requests for inauguration week was a 24-hour prayer marathon. The intent for this event is to be an annual occurence at the start of each academic year.
President McDowell was interviewed by Keegan Stewart ('19) with "ask me anything" questions. See a more personal side of Dr. McDowell.
Keynote: "The Christ-Centered Classroom"
Presenter: Dr. Kent Gallaher
Lipscomb University Director, Biomolecular Science Graduate Program and Academic Chair, Biology
Dr. Gallaher delivered an inspiring reminder that work at a Christian university is more than academics taught, but the opportunity to build effective Christ-centered relationships with students, and how that can be a life-changing influence for them. He quoted a portion of President McDowell's vision for LCU, "I want Jesus to be the center of all that we do at LCU and I think the most critical place for that to happen is in our classrooms - our core business and our most profound place of influence."
Watch Dr. Gallaher's full presentation.
Conclusion of 24-Hours of Prayer where every student, faculty and staff member were prayed for by name.
This event was only open to LCU faculty and staff and celebrated the newest chapter in LCU history with colleagues as service year awardees were honored and an inspiring charge was delivered.
Keynote: "A Christ-Centered Calling"
Presenter: Dr. Joe Womack
President, Bushnell University
Eugene, Oregon
Keynote: "Igniting a City"
Presenter: Pastor Dave Clayton
Nashville’s Ethos Church
In 2019, Pastor Clayton initiated getting 400 churches to come together to pray for every single resident of the city, and the initiative grew even bigger in 2020. It is not about any one church or denomination, but about partnering together in prayer and fasting, igniting a move of God's Spirit that has transformed lives across the region.
First Lady Kay McDowell was interviewed by Mariah Cannon ('20), Student Involvement Coordinator, with "ask me anything" questions. See a personal side of LCU's First Lady.
Art exhibits were on display in the galleries across campus:
The LCU Division of Music was proud to honor LCU’s new President with an evening of music performed by LCU students. The concert included performances by all vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as soloists, such as student Lauren Camp on harp, and songs performed by students Sean Wilborn and Madison Simpson.
A long-standing tradition at LCU is students gathering weekly on Wednesday nights for a devotional. Inauguration week featured President Scott McDowell as the speaker.
View the Investiture Ceremony of the seventh President of Lubbock Christian University, Scott McDowell, Ed. D.
Inaugural Address: "Every Thought Captive: Discerning the Good, the True, and the Beautiful"
Speaker: Dr. David Young, Senior Minister at North Boulevard Church of Christ, Murfreesboro, TN
Response: President Scott McDowell
"Undivided: A Holistic Approach to the Good Life"