The University recently welcomed Kirt Henderson, alumnus and former assistant director of admissions, as director of student success, and Jonathan Solomon as assistant dean of students for diversity and multicultural student services
Henderson oversees the operation of the Milburn Student Success Center, including programs related to at-risk students, general academic support, student-athlete academic support, retention counseling and retention initiatives. The Milburn Center assists students of all majors, classifications and academic needs with comprehension of course material and development of study, research, analytical, reading, writing and critical thinking skills.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion and a Master of Business Administration from OBU. Prior to returning to Bison Hill, he served as the associate director of admissions at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Henderson says he was drawn back to OBU because of his fondness for the university. “My four years as a student were incredibly formative. I not only earned a degree, but truly experienced intellectual, social and spiritual transformation. While serving on the OBU admissions team, I came to appreciate the people and mission of the institution even more. Ultimately, it is easy to work with purpose at such a special place.”
Solomon is responsible for developing and implementing programs and services for students in the areas of international student services and underrepresented ethnic populations. He partners with academic and administrative departments to promote student success and health.
He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in organizational management from Langston University and a Master of Education in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently working on a Doctor of Education in educational evaluation and research from Wayne State University.
Before coming to OBU, he was the assistant director of TRIO, Upward Bound, at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. In that role, he reviewed student academic progress, recommended specific actions regarding academic and career goals, maintained and updated student advising records, and approved student requests for academic action, among many other duties.
“I truly believe God brought me to OBU,” Solomon said. “One of the things I felt that I was missing at some of my previous institutions was the ability to fully operate in my faith when interacting with students, faculty and staff.”