CarterBaldwin is proud to partner again with Montreat College in the appointment of Dr. Justin Hardin as the private liberal arts college’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Biblical Studies.
Hardin brings more than two decades of distinguished academic leadership, teaching, and administrative experience across Christian higher education to his new role, which will begin July 1, 2026. He currently serves at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, where he has held strategic roles since June 2022, including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Professor of Biblical Studies.
Prior to Ouachita, Hardin spent eight years at Palm Beach Atlantic University serving as Associate Dean for graduate programs and Professor of biblical and theological studies in the School of Ministry. From 2008-2014, Hardin held the senior New Testament teaching post at Wycliffe Hall of the University of Oxford in England and served as Director of Studies and Tutor in New Testament. While at Oxford, Hardin was honored as Most Innovative Teacher in the Humanities Division in 2012.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Hardin to Montreat College,” President Paul J. Maurer shared. “He is a deeply respected scholar, a gifted administrator, and a strong leader whose wide range of experience will be a great addition to our academic community.”
Hardin holds a PhD and MPhil in theology from the University of Cambridge, an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, and a BA in biblical studies and history from Ouachita Baptist University.
Hardin’s work will build upon the excellent work and forward-moving progress of the college’s current Provost, Dr. Mark Hijleh, who has announced his plans to retire at the end of the academic year.
Click here to read Montreat’s complete announcement.
About Montreat College
Montreat College is a private, Christian. Liberal arts college founded in 1916 and offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs for traditional and adult students. Montreat College’s main campus for four-year traditional students is located in Montreat, NC, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Asheville. The college’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies offers more than 25 online associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
