Dr. Rick Ostrander is Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He holds a doctorate in American History from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame, a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Moody Bible Institute.
As provost, Dr. Ostrander is responsible for the overall academic vision of the university and for ensuring the accomplishment of that vision. He does this primarily by equipping and empowering the faculty to achieve excellence in their roles as Christian teachers, mentors, and scholars. Dr. Ostrander’s vision for Cornerstone University is that it continues to build excellence in the liberal arts and professional programs as it prepares students to effectively engage the cultures of their world for Christ.
As a scholar of American religion and an academic administrator, Dr. Ostrander maintains an active interest in Christian higher education. His publications include The Life of Prayer in a World of Science (Oxford, 2001), Head, Heart, Hand: John Brown University and Evangelical Higher Education (University of Arkansas, 2003), and “Spirituality and the Discipline of History,” in Searching for Spirituality in Higher Education (Peter Lang, 2007). A Fulbright Scholar to Germany in 2004, Dr. Ostrander complements his interest in American higher education with an active interest in global affairs and international education.
Dr. Ostrander’s most recent book, Why College Matters to God: Academic Faithfulness and Christian Higher Education, was published in 2009 by Abilene Christian University Press. It is currently being used by several Christian colleges and universities for their first-year seminars.
Rick and his wife Lonnie have four children, Ryan, Tyler, Rachel and Anna. He is an avid cyclist who logs thousands of miles a year on his road bike.
Articles by Dr. Ostrander
Academic Excellence: It's Not Rocket Science
Excellence in Teaching: It's Not Mysterious
Educating for Cultural Influence
A Christian College's Provost Encounters the Digital Revolution
Dr. Rick Ostrander had two articles published recently. His article, “Learning to Surf: A Christian College Provost Encounters the Digital Revolution,” appears in the March/April 2013 issue of Books and Culture. His article, “Connection in China,” appears in the February 26, 2013 issue of Inside Higher Education.
Chapel Messages
Mar. 2013 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Way of the Cross
Sept. 2011 - What's Your End-Game? Making the Most of College
April 2010 - An Anti-Commencement Speech
Sept. 9, 2009 - Dr. Rick Ostrander's Fall Convocation Address
In August 2012, Dr. Ostrander was interviewed on the 700 Club. Click here to view the episode on "Why College Matters to God."