Fresh Perspectives and Vision
The Archie W. Dunham College of Business at Houston Christian University (HCU) has welcomed a dynamic group of new faculty members who are fostering innovation and exploration in the classroom. From leveraging AI and social media marketing to studying international enterprise and People Analytics, these educators are preparing business students to enter corporate and entrepreneurial arenas equipped with cutting-edge skills—all grounded in a Christ-centered foundation.
Dr. April Kinchen
Assistant Professor of Human Resources
Dr. April Kinchen serves as Program Director for HCU’s Master of Human Resource Management (MSHRM) and People Analytics programs, teaching leadership, organizational behavior, compensation, training, HR systems and People Analytics across undergraduate and graduate levels. Drawing on extensive professional experience, she integrates real-world insights with academic rigor.
Attracted to HCU for its commitment to faith-integrated scholarship, Dr. Kinchen earned her doctorate in Business Administration from Liberty University and values teaching in an environment where academic excellence and spiritual formation intersect. She also serves as Faculty Advisor for HCU’s Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Student Chapter, which earned the SHRM Chapter Merit Award in its inaugural year.
Dr. Antoinette Okono
Assistant Professor of Marketing
Dr. Antoinette Okono coordinates HCU’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing program and teaches courses including Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Strategy and Marketing Research. She emphasizes experiential, market-driven learning, integrating faith and service into her teaching.
Her research focuses on consumer–brand relationships, symbolic interactionism and relational exchange, with work presented at national conferences. Dr. Okono contributes as a conference track chair, journal reviewer and advisory member for HCU’s Women in Leadership Program, while leading curriculum development and accreditation alignment to advance innovative, student centered marketing education.
Dr. Pauline Akatsa-Hinga
Assistant Professor of International Business
Dr. Pauline Akatsa-Hinga is Program Director for HCU’s Master of International Business (MIB) and teaches International Business, Management and Global Enterprise, while leading the annual graduate cultural immersion experience abroad. Drawn to HCU for its faith-based mission, she mentors students, collaborates on curriculum development and engages actively beyond the classroom.
Her research explores barriers Indigenous peoples face in accessing organizations, emphasizing culturally informed approaches to inclusion and empowerment.
Dr. Richard Kniffen
Assistant Professor of Business Data Analytics
Dr. Richard Kniffen teaches analytics and management information systems and manages HCU’s minor in Business Analytics and MBA in Business Analytics programs. He focuses on aligning programs with evolving employer needs and is particularly interested in AI’s impact on business and education, as well as social media’s societal effects.
A first-generation college graduate who went on to earn a PhD in Management Information Systems, Dr. Kniffen was drawn to HCU’s Christ-centered mission and believes in the transformative power of education grounded in Christian values.
Dr. Chen Zhao
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Dr. Chen Zhao coordinates HCU’s Accounting BBA program and advises the Accounting and Finance Society. She teaches courses in Intermediate Accounting, Accounting Systems, Internal Control, Corporate Taxation, and Accounting Research and Communication, while establishing a student chapter of the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners.
Attracted to HCU for its focus on servant leadership and faith-based education, Dr. Zhao integrates ethics and academic excellence into her teaching as she mentors students, fosters inclusive learning and contributes to campus initiatives. Her research examines fraud probability, firm life cycle stages and CEO ethics, providing insights that bridge scholarship and practice.
Dr. Timothy White
Assistant Professor of Leadership
Colonel Tim White, PhD, USAF (retired), coordinates HCU’s MS Leadership program and developed the BUSA 6350 Governmental and Public Sector Leadership course. He brings extensive experience in leadership, strategy and public service, including service as an Air Force officer and combat pilot, and teaching roles at Air University and the Naval War College.
Drawn to HCU for its Christ-centered mission, Dr. White emphasizes leadership as a values-driven practice rooted in biblical truth, service and responsibility. His work equips students to lead with integrity and understand the lasting impact of their decisions on organizations, communities and their faith.