Summer Series 2026 - Dondi Costin

Join Philip Dearborn, President of ABHE, for a special summer series created to encourage and support leaders in Christian higher education. Every other week, we’ll revisit some of the most popular conversations from past seasons, with practical insights and meaningful reminders about the importance of Christ-centered education.This episode originally aired December 2025___For Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Liberty University,  God’s direction led from a timid teenager afraid to speak in public, to a decorated military chaplain, to the presidency of one of the largest Christian universities in the world. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty weaves every season, assignment, and relationship into a calling far greater than we imagine. With humility and clarity, Dr. Costin reflects on leadership, obedience, identity, and the future of Christian higher education.___Tune in to discover✅How God redirected a young Air Force cadet into ministry and chaplaincy.✅Why authentic leadership begins with self awareness and Spirit shaped character.✅How Liberty University’s early innovation shaped distance learning nationwide.✅What younger leaders need to understand about calling, initiative, and humility.✅Why leaning into Christian identity is essential for the future of biblical higher education.___ Inside the Episode:04:49 – How Liberty University shaped his early ministry preparation10:24 – Entering the chaplaincy and discovering a calling to serve young adults13:49 – God’s providence in opening doors to university leadership19:20 – Leading authentically and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths26:10 – Why decisive leadership matters in today’s higher education landscape32:55 – Two core leadership principles for young leaders.___To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.The Biblical Higher Ed Talk podcast is brought to you by The Association of Biblical Higher Ed and is proud to be a part of The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast Network. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.