Southern Nazarene University President J. Keith Newman announced the addition of Lena Crouso to the university’s Senior Leadership Team. Crouso will serve as vice president for Intercultural Learning and Engagement beginning 1 July.

Crouso most recently served at Indiana Wesleyan University as the dean of the Office for Intercultural Learning and Engagement. In addition, she is a sought-after presenter, consultant, and advocate on issues of race, diversity, equity, and justice. At SNU, she will provide leadership for the design and implementation of institution-wide efforts to ensure diversity, inclusion, equity, respect, and the promotion of reconciliation in the SNU community.

“The addition of Crouso represents a strategic commitment to our present and future," Newman said. "The depth and breadth of her education and experience will impact our institution immediately, and I know Lena’s influence will create a powerful ripple effect. We look forward to learning from her, serving with her, and watching what God will do through her ministry in our community and across the region."

Crouso is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. She holds a doctorate in multicultural Christian counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary and an education specialist degree in leadership from Stetson University, as well as an educational counseling degree from the University of Central Florida. Currently, she is completing a second doctorate in transformational leadership and culture from the Bakke Graduate University.

The daughter of Indian immigrants, Crouso spent her formative years growing up in India. Her journey from Hinduism to Christianity and her diverse life path have given Crouso a heart and mind for the empowerment of all people through intercultural understanding and a desire to lead people in spiritual, emotional, and social transformation and freedom.

She and her husband, Kendall, are the parents of three grown daughters, Kayla, Chloe, and Addie, who share a love for Christian service in the U.S. and in India.

--Southern Nazarene University