Howard Payne University announced the hiring of Dr. Nathan Lane as the new vice president for academic affairs. Lane brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the position in faculty and administrative roles and will begin the new position in July.

“Dr. Nathan Lane has tremendous leadership experience, and I know he will bring great value to Howard Payne University,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “He aligns closely with our core values and is excited about the opportunity to provide key leadership in the accomplishment of our Strategic Plan.”

Lane is currently the associate provost and dean of the Catherine T. MacArthur School at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in West Palm Beach, Florida. He began serving as a faculty member in the School of Ministry in 2007. Then, in 2017, Lane was appointed associate provost for instruction. In 2022, his leadership at PBA was expanded due to the additional responsibilities that were associated with being named dean of the Catherine T. MacArthur School. Through this role, Lane launched new programs, coordinated the reorganization of the school and oversaw the eLearning department. He also created the Christian University Leadership Series, a monthly lecture series given by PBA faculty on the intersection of faith and their academic disciplines.

Lane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology from Lee University, in Cleveland, Tennessee; a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Theology in Old Testament from Columbia Theological Seminary, in Decatur, Georgia; and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies from Baylor University. He is an accomplished presenter, author and professor. Dr. Lane and his wife, Kristi, have three children.

“I am honored to join the good work that God is doing at HPU,” said Dr. Lane. “The deep tradition of serious academic exploration and deep Christian commitment resonates strongly with me. I look forward to serving alongside the great team of faculty and staff who are equipping the next generation of Christian doctors, lawyers, educators and other professionals to lead and serve with excellence.”

Dr. Gary Gramling, HPU’s dean of the School of Christian Studies, was the chair of the search committee to select the new vice president. HPU worked with Faith Search Partners to conduct a nationwide search for the position.

“We are so thrilled that Dr. Nathan Lane will be coming to join us as our new vice president for academic affairs here at Howard Payne,” said Dr. Gramling. “Through the process of our national search, it became increasingly clear to our committee that Dr. Lane was uniquely qualified for this role and an excellent candidate for the position. After meeting him in person and getting to know his family, I am even more convinced that the Lord led us to him and him to us.” 

Additional members of the search committee included Dr. Phillips Agboola, professor of engineering; Wendy Grooms, associate professor of mathematics; Lynn Humeniuk, adjunct professor of criminal justice; Dr. Laci Sutton, dean of the School of Nursing; and Dr. Jim Wunderle, assistant professor of psychology.

Lane will follow the current Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, who announced his retirement after 32 years of service to the university.

For more information about HPU, visit www.hputx.edu.