Scott Bertrand Assistant Provost and Dean of Spiritual Life Scott’s passion and vocation is to help people encounter the Lord Jesus through deep engagement with the Bible and in community with others who follow Christ. He loves seeing people freed to live for the glory of God by knowing the transforming power of the gospel in all of life. Scott’s own college years at a Christian university and in a local church and a campus ministry he was a member of during those years were transformational in setting this trajectory for his life. He now loves encouraging and guiding students as they pursue this journey of discipleship as well as equipping and resourcing faculty and staff in their strategic roles in HCU’s vision for holistic discipleship. In addition to giving leadership to planning Convocation and other key Spiritual Life initiatives, Scott also teaches as an adjunct professor in HCU’s School of Christian Thought and serves as an assistant provost, providing support for strategic planning, budget management, personnel development, and communications. Before coming to HCU in 2021, Scott served in pastoral roles in two churches in the Houston area and for nearly a decade in cross-cultural ministry in west Asia. Scott is married to Abby, and they live with Mary and Daniel in west Houston. Nick Villalon Worship and Discipleship Director Nick was born and raised in Houston, Texas—just across the street from HCU at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Though he attended Catholic school from Pre-K to 8th grade, it wasn’t until much later that the gospel truly made sense to him. After earning a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University in 2016, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in acting. But in the pursuit of success and meaning, it was there that he encountered the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. He came to faith in 2018, and everything began to change. While still pursuing his acting career, he could not ignore God’s call to ministry. In 2020, he returned to Houston to follow that call. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity and has served in worship and a variety of other ministries across several local churches. He also previously taught middle and high school Bible at Northland Christian School, where he deepened his passion for teaching Scripture and walking with students in their faith. He is committed to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20). Christ’s marching orders make clear that the Kingdom grows through evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual formation—and he sees vibrant, congregational worship and intentional relationships as essential to that work. He oversees the university’s worship teams, Refuge and Focus, as well as the Kaleo Discipleship Program, guiding students in their growth in faith, character, and calling. Through his role, he seeks to foster a culture where students are deeply engaged with the gospel and formed to follow Jesus with joy and faithfulness in every area of life. Saleim Kahleh Campus Minister Saleim grew up in a loving Muslim family. After his first year of college, he questioned why he believed what he believed. This set him on a quest for the Truth. This quest led him to Christians and the Word of God, which opened his eyes to the Truth and brought him to faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord opened the door for him to attend HCU (then HBU), where he played soccer and tennis and graduated with a double major in Christianity and Recreation—how to pray and how to play! Saleim loves college students and has remained at HCU to make a difference for Jesus and the Kingdom of God. While at HCU Saleim met his bride, Melanie, who is also a graduate of Houston Christian University. They have three daughters and three sons (Karah Grace, Hannah Joy, Elianah Shalom, Saleim II, Simeon, and Samuel). Nathan Mahand Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) Director Nathan is an ordained Baptist minister and loves college students. He came to HCU in 2017after serving in a local church for several years. Nathan grew up in the church, but his faith became his own through high school and college. He is convinced from his own experience that college is a moment where lives are shaped and desires to be a part of that pivotal conversation with students. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at HCU’s Houston Theological Seminary. Nathan and his wife, Kristen, live in Southwest Houston and have two sons, Dean and Andy.
