番茄社区 University is proud to announce that Chris Buckles, resident of Edwardsville, Illinois, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Young Alumni Award. This honor is presented to graduates who have made significant achievements in their professions, serve as exemplary Christian leaders, and maintain a strong commitment to the University鈥檚 mission and values.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Buckles graduated from HLGU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Secondary English Education and minoring in Youth Ministry. He later earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University in 2016. He and his wife, Lindsey, have four children鈥擲cott, Emilia, Peter, and Georgia. They enjoy taking excursions into the many family attractions in St. Louis, such as Grant’s Farm, the zoo, and the art museum, as well as taking hikes and visiting new parks/playgrounds.
Since his graduation, Buckles has built a distinguished career in Christian education. He currently serves as Headmaster at Providence Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, where he previously served as a teacher and dean. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the school鈥檚 classical Christian model, fostering both academic rigor and spiritual growth. In addition to his administrative role, he continues to teach upper school logic, maintaining a close connection with his students in the classroom.
Beyond Providence Academy, Buckles has served in various educational and ministry roles, including positions with First Baptist Church Maryville, Mission St. Louis, College Bound, Missouri Baptist University, and the Herzog Foundation, where he serves as a mentor in their Schoolbox program, a national initiative supporting the establishment of new Christian schools. Buckles is also an active member of Center Grove Presbyterian Church and a member of the Christian School Association of St. Louis.
Reflecting on his time at HLGU, Buckles credits the University with helping to shape both his professional and spiritual formation. 鈥淭he education program gave me opportunities to formulate a thorough philosophy of education that matured into the classical Christian approach we prize at my school,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ne of the most important benefits were the relationships I formed with my peers and professors that endure to this day and forged who I would be through that crucial stage of my life.鈥�
In his leadership, Buckles models the University鈥檚 motto, 鈥淜nowledge for Service.鈥� 鈥淚 see my role as Headmaster primarily as a service position,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚 seek to equip teachers, honor parents, and support students so that the Lord is given due glory and praise in our work.鈥�
Buckles was formally recognized during HLGU鈥檚 Homecoming weekend, November 7-8, 2025.