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McDowell comes to ACU from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served more than 20 years, most recently as senior vice president for student life. Prior to that he served for five years as pulpit minister for a 1,300-member church in Memphis and has held part-time preaching roles for two congregations during his tenure at Lipscomb.
“Throughout the search process, Scott impressed us with his love for students, leadership ability, passion for spiritual formation and his deep knowledge of student affairs,” said Kevin Campbell, senior vice president for operations. “We’ve admired Scott’s work from afar, and we are excited he’s going to join the ACU community.”
McDowell will oversee all aspects of student life, including spiritual formation, residence life, student dining, student organizations, career services, multicultural affairs, student productions, student recreation and wellness, and the Medical Care and Counseling Center, among other responsibilities. He also will serve on the university’s Senior Leadership Team.
“I’ve always had a great appreciation for ACU and a very warm sense of collegiality with my peers in the student life area here,” McDowell said. “The sense of community I perceive at ACU is very persuasive. Some of my dearest friends are ACU alums, and the esteem with which they hold their alma mater speaks volumes about this place.”
McDowell looks forward to the impact he will have on the student experience at ACU.
“I absolutely love and have a passion for Christ-centered higher education,” he said. “I believe our faith gives us a legitimate edge in the higher education market that we can and must leverage for kingdom purposes.”
McDowell holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University, a master’s in religion from Lipscomb and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Azusa Pacific University. He is married to Kay and they have three sons, Alec, 22; Cade, 19; and Cole, 16.