A Day of Academic Collaboration and Engagement

Houston, Texas — Houston Christian University (HCU) welcomed distinguished representatives from Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, for a day dedicated to scholarly exchange, campus engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue.

The visit followed Dr. April Kinchen’s—Assistant Professor for MSHRM-PA—participation in the Oxford Lifelong Learning Theology Summer Program, which focused on Christianity in Higher Education and Gen Z’s Search for Meaning in Spiritual Role Models. She subsequently learned of a new project at the University of Oxford, Wycliffe Hall, called the “Renaissance Project.”

Dr. Jonathan Brant and Dr. Michael Lloyd of Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, accepted an invitation to visit the HCU campus during their November forum in Houston, facilitating a full day of meaningful academic conversation and exploration between the two institutions.

The Archie W. Dunham College of Business sponsored and funded the Oxford delegation’s visit, including breakfast, lunch and podcast production equipment for the SHRM Student Chapter of HCU. This support enabled the launch of the chapter’s new podcast, “Beyond the Boardroom: SHRM Conversations.”

HCU extends its appreciation to the many faculty, staff and students who contributed to the success of the visit. Special acknowledgements include:

  • Dean Mike Rome, Associate Dean Greggory Keiffer, Yvette Garcia, Graduate Advisor, and Raquel Gomez, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental.
  • Kenneth Bandy, PhD, and Pauline Akatsa Hinga, PhD for their engagement in meet and greet sessions.
  • The SHRM Student Chapter of HCU Executive Officers—Andy Soliman (President), Eunice Martinez (Vice President), Claudia Andrea Islas Medina (Secretary), Paola Castillo (Director of Corporate Relations and Treasurer), Wesley Craig (Director of Student Relations Undergraduate), Temitope Sowande (Director of Student Relations Graduate), and Ruth Ortega (Director of Communications)—for their professionalism in hosting the delegation and managing podcast operations.

Additional recognition is extended to Aaron Diehl for guest transportation and stewardship, Assistant Provost Scott Bertrand for providing a guided academic tour in partnership with SHRM officers, and Dr. James M. Boyleston for hosting the delegation at the Narrative Arts Forum.

Archie W. Dunham College of Business administrators and faculty expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of HCU President Robert Sloan and Provost Stanley Napper, whose leadership fosters global engagement and scholarly enrichment across the University.

This collaborative event underscored the significance of connecting HCU students with international scholars and affirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, mentorship and sustained institutional partnerships.

A podcast conversation with University of Oxford–Wycliffe Hall scholars Dr. Brant and Dr. Lloyd was featured on SHRM Beyond the Boardroom: SHRM Conversations Episode Twoon Nov. 25, 2025.

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Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.