The Concordia University Texas board of regents announced May 13 that Dr. Don Christian will replace Dr. Tom Cedel effective Aug. 1, who is retiring after more than a decade as the university's leader.

The board gave Christian, who has served as the dean of Concordia University Texas College of Business since 2005, the title of CEO.

"As CEO of Concordia University Texas, Christian will have all the responsibilities that Cedel had as president," said Albert Carrion, Concordia University Texas board of regents president, in a news release. "We wanted to give Dr. Christian a title that more accurately captures a 21st century university's need for leadership focused on academic excellence coupled with a business acumen that provides for a strong and sustainable future."

Prior to joining the University, Christian served as headmaster of Lutheran High North in Houston, parish life administrator at Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston and as a high school band director in Minneapolis, where he began his career. He is also the past-president of the Austin Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) board.

Christian replaces Cedel, who guided the university through a relocation in 2008 after 82 years on the Central Austin campus.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Concordia University Texas' leader during these years of exceptional growth and change," Cedel said in a news release. "It gives me great comfort to know that the University will continue to advance its mission of developing Christian leaders and to prosper under Don Cristian's leadership."

Christian said working with Cedel has prepared him well for the position.

"I have the institutional familiarity and understanding of Concordia's culture and mission that allows me to build on the solid foundation laid by Tom Cedel," he said. "It's an honor to accept this position."