Episode 102 - Dondi Costin - Your Calling is Rarely a Straight Path

For Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Liberty University, God’s direction led from a timid teenager afraid to speak in public, to a decorated military chaplain, to the presidency of one of the largest Christian universities in the world. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty weaves every season, assignment, and relationship into a calling far greater than we imagine. With humility and clarity, Dr. Costin reflects on leadership, obedience, identity, and the future of Christian higher education.
🎧 Tune in to discover
✅How God redirected a young Air Force cadet into ministry and chaplaincy.
✅Why authentic leadership begins with self awareness and Spirit shaped character.
✅How Liberty University’s early innovation shaped distance learning nationwide.
✅What younger leaders need to understand about calling, initiative, and humility.
✅Why leaning into Christian identity is essential for the future of biblical higher education.
🎙️ Inside the Episode:
04:49 – How Liberty University shaped his early ministry preparation
10:24 – Entering the chaplaincy and discovering a calling to serve young adults
13:49 – God’s providence in opening doors to university leadership
19:20 – Leading authentically and surrounding yourself with complementary strengths
26:10 – Why decisive leadership matters in today’s higher education landscape
32:55 – Two core leadership principles for young leaders.

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