Education

Ph.D., 2019, Oklahoma State University
M.Ed., 2000, Azusa Pacific University
B.S., 1998, Southern Nazarene University

Biography

As a life-long educator, Dr. Houston brings 25 years of higher education experience to the Master of Leadership program at SNU. As the program developer and director, Dr. Houston seeks to help learners journey through a graduate leadership program that takes a different approach to leadership education and training. He believes that leadership is rooted in a love for others and that the principles of Imago Dei govern our influence and relationships with others.

Prior to coming to Southern Nazarene University, Dr. Houston served in various positions in Student Life at Azusa Pacific University and Pepperdine University in southern California, and Seattle Pacific University in Washington State. Dr. Houston is passionate about helping learners understand more about who they are, and how they may have an impactful influence on those around them. Dr. Houston’s research interests are leadership, distraction, and intersections with technology.

Dr. Houston models healthy leadership by supporting his wife of 23 years, Tara, who is a high school college and career counselor along with caring for their two boys, Caleb and Nathan.

Hobbies or fun facts: Michael loves spending time hiking, backpacking, and snow skiing in the mountains of Colorado or relaxing on the beaches of California with family. He also enjoys a round of golf or fishing with friends.