Dr. Kristi Kirk on Why College Should Be Accessible to Everyone

Watch the Full Episode

Dr. Kristi Kirk believes higher education should be accessible to everyone. As a first-generation college graduate, she has dedicated her career to helping students succeed, a mission that led her to become President and CEO of Concordia University Texas.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Dr. Kirk discusses how Concordia University Texas has evolved to meet the needs of Central Texas students and employers. A leader in adult education and online learning, the university continues to expand flexible programs that serve working professionals, part-time learners, and traditional students.

The conversation explores Concordia's student-centered approach to supporting first-generation college students and learners from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Kirk also shares how the university's Northwest Austin campus, home to a 250-acre nature preserve, creates a unique environment that helps students learn, grow, and thrive.

Release date: June 2026

Guest: Dr. Kristi Kirk, President & CEO, Concordia University Texas

Duration: 31 minutes

Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union

Timecodes:

03:49

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Bringing Classes Off-Campus: How Concordia has evolved to meet the workforce needs of Central Texas, from the early adoption of adult learning programs to a continued investment in online learning.

06:45

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Opening Doors to Students: Why Concordia was built to serve people from all backgrounds, and how the current student body reflects the economic and cultural diversity of the broader Central Texas community.

16:51

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A Culture of Conservation: Why Concordia’s campus includes a dedicated nature and wildlife preserve, and why that connection to nature is especially profound for students who grew up in more urban environments.

19:38

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Concordia's New Campus: How Concordia’s move to Northwest Austin helped it step out of the shadow of the University of Texas and create a unique identity for its programs and students.

What Is Concordia University Texas?

Found in 1926 as a high school in North Austin, today Concordia University Texas is home to over 1,400 students across 30+ areas of study. The university also serves as environmental stewards to 250 acres of protected nature and wildlife preserves, including the world-renowned fossil site, Friesenhahn Cave.

Founded: 1926

Location: 11400 Concordia University Dr.

Mission: Concordia University Texas empowers students of all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action, and courageous leadership.

Type: Education

Website: www.concordia.edu

Memorable Quotes from Dr. Kristi Kirk

Dr. Kristi Kirk

President & CEO, Concordia University Texas

I do believe the physical environment of our campus is one of the beauties of our learning experience.

We want students across the socioeconomic spectrums to realize that higher education can be for them.

A lot of things have to come together for an institution to last 100 years.

There’s such a rich tradition of higher education in Austin.

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Why College SHould be accessible to Everyone