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.
Recent Events
On May 13-16, Dr. Rick Ostrander, Cornerstone University provost, served as a member of a team of U.S. educators that visited Uganda Christian University for a series of conferences and workshops to promote the integration of faith and learning at the university. The team was invited by Uganda Christian University President Dr. John Senyonyi in connection to the launching of the university’s new Committee on the Integration of Faith, Learning, and Service. Dr. Ostrander led sessions on Christian Worldview and Education and the History of Christian Higher Education.