Dr. Matz comes to HLGU from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he has served for the past 10 years both in administration and as a faculty member. At MBTS he led in the creation of an online undergraduate program, oversaw the online faculty, developed student success initiatives, worked with accreditors, created assessment processes, and taught residential and online courses in theology, preaching, evangelism, and apologetics.

鈥淒r. Matz will bring a wealth of administrative experience to his new role as VPAA,鈥� said Dr. Allen. 鈥淗e loves students, enjoys teaching, and will shepherd the faculty well. Dr. Matz understands the mission and vision of HLGU as well as the important task of integrating faith and learning.聽 He is an outstanding addition to our executive staff.鈥�

HLGU Trustee Member, Lisa Branch, affirms, 鈥淭he selection of Robert Matz as HLGU鈥檚 next VPAA is very timely. He is the right choice for solidifying HLGU as a top choice for Christian families seeking higher education both in the on-campus and online arenas. The future of HLG is brighter than ever!鈥�

Of coming to HLGU, Dr. Matz said 鈥淎t a time when many institutions are doubting the value of confessional commitments, Missouri Baptists can take pride in HLGU as an institution committed to our convention and to producing graduates who excel academically, thrive professionally, and center their lives on Christ and service. HLGU鈥檚 commitment to a distinctively Christian education which integrates faith and learning across a wide variety of disciplines sets it apart from other institutions and positions it to become one of the foremost Christian universities in the region. I look forward to partnering with Dr. Allen and HLGU鈥檚 exceptional faculty and staff in the years ahead.鈥�

Dr. Matz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor of engineering (2005). He earned a Master鈥檚 of Divinity with a concentration in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2009) and a Ph.D. in theology and apologetics from Liberty University (2015). His publications include Better Together: You, Your Church, and the Cooperative Program, Divine Impassability: Four Views of God鈥檚 Emotions and Suffering, as well as chapter contributions and articles for academic journals. Forthcoming books include Kerux Commentaries: Jonah, Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk and Deep and Wide: The Role of Baptism in Child Discipleship. Dr. Matz is a member of and regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society. He was appointed to and served on the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 special task force on evangelism in 2017-2018.

Alongside his academic efforts, Dr. Matz is a committed Southern Baptist churchman. He has pastored churches in Texas, Virginia, and Missouri. Most recently, Dr. Matz has led in the revitalization of Blue Hills Baptist Church in Independence, MO, the oldest Baptist church in the Kansas City metro area.

Dr. Matz has been married to Jessica since 2006, and they have three children, Andrew (12), Katie (10), and Jonathan (7).

鈥淒r. Dennis has proven to be a valuable addition to our executive cabinet. She accepted the interim position as vice president for academic administration and dean of faculty early this year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has demonstrated the ability to lead in crisis,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e are very excited to have Dr. Dennis in this new role. As a graduate of 番茄社区 University and a native of Hannibal she brings a wealth of experience and community relations that will serve the institution.鈥�

Dr. Dennis earned a 颅颅颅bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from 番茄社区 University (2001) and a master鈥檚 degree in learning and instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2003), and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University (2013). Prior to coming to HLGU as a faculty member, Dr. Dennis was a public-school teacher for the Jefferson City Public School District in Jefferson City, Missouri. During that time, she earned National Board Teaching Certification. After making the move to higher education, Dr. Dennis continued her excellence in the classroom, training future teachers, and expanded her influence by contributing to the academic field of teacher education. She has collaboratively published articles in several scholarly journals and presented to colleagues in state and national conference venues.

鈥淚 am both humbled and honored to serve the Lord by filling the role of vice president for academic administration at HLGU. I pray that God will use my gifts in administration for the advancement of his kingdom work and for the advancement of HLGU鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Dr. Dennis. 鈥淗LGU has meant a lot to me over the years. The faculty, staff, and students are a blessing to work with each and every day. I love the people here and I am happy to serve them as long as the Lord allows.鈥�

Alongside her academic efforts, Dr. Dennis is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles in children鈥檚 ministry, and she currently serves in the choir and as a praise team vocalist.

Dr. Dennis is married to her college sweetheart, Chris, whom she met while serving together in The New Edition, HLGU鈥檚 theatre ministry team. Together they have three children, Jachin (9), Jada (5), and Jaina (1).