Veteran Christian higher education leader returns to LPU to strengthen academic research, leadership education, and future doctoral program development
Life Pacific University (LPU) has appointed Frank Markow, Ph.D., as Professor of Leadership Studies and Director of Academic Research, effective October 1, 2026. A leadership scholar, author, and veteran Christian higher education administrator, Markow returns to LPU during a season of significant growth and academic innovation. In his new role, he will help strengthen the University’s research culture, faculty scholarship, leadership education, and exploration of future academic programs.
Markow brings 26 years of higher education, organizational, and ministry leadership experience, including extensive work in graduate program development, faculty leadership, accreditation, research, and doctoral mentoring. Most recently, he served at The King’s University in Southlake, Texas, as Professor of Leadership Studies and Director of the Master of Organizational Leadership program.
His appointment is also a homecoming. Markow previously served at Life Pacific University from 2005 to 2014 as Associate Dean of Adult and Graduate Studies and founding director of LPU’s Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership program, where he developed the curriculum, recruited faculty, and helped lead the program through its initial accreditation review.
“Frank’s return represents an important investment in LPU’s academic future,” said Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “I had the privilege of working with Dr. Markow for more than a decade and saw firsthand his steady and innovative leadership, his strength in program development, and his commitment to students. He is a present and engaged professor who brings fresh research, ideas, and perspective into the classroom. As LPU continues to grow and innovate, Frank will help us strengthen scholarship and thoughtfully build for what is ahead.”
As Director of Academic Research, Markow will work with LPU’s Academic Office to strengthen faculty scholarship, academic research, and a university-wide culture of inquiry. He will also teach leadership studies and contribute research and academic expertise to the initial proposal development for a potential future doctoral program focused on Organizational and Strategic Leadership.
“Dr. Markow brings an exceptional combination of scholarship, academic leadership, program development, and deep understanding of LPU’s mission,” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “His experience in graduate and doctoral education will strengthen our research culture and add important capacity as we explore the next generation of academic programs at Life Pacific University. We are delighted to welcome him back.”
Markow earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, with doctoral research focused on calling and leader identity. His scholarship spans organizational leadership, organizational behavior, and Pentecostal and renewal studies.
He is the author of Organizational Behavior in Christian Perspective: Theory & Practice (Baker Academic, 2024) and has published research on leadership, calling, organizational commitment, and Pentecostal leadership. His recent scholarship has explored Spirit-led organizational change and the intersection of organizational behavior and Pentecostal theology.
“I am more than thrilled to be returning to Life Pacific University and look forward to serving under the leadership of Drs. Richey and Ruarte,” Markow said. “Being able to lean into our Pentecostal heritage and identity through teaching and research allows me to fulfill the call God has placed on my life to develop Spirit-empowered leaders for Kingdom advance. I sense the Lord doing something new and exciting in this coming season at LPU. I believe our best days are still ahead, and I am genuinely excited and hopeful for all He has ahead for us.”
An ordained minister with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel for more than 30 years, Markow brings together rigorous scholarship, leadership development, and a longstanding commitment to Christian ministry.
Markow’s appointment represents LPU’s continued investment in faculty scholarship, graduate education, and innovative academic programs that prepare Christ-centered, Spirit-filled leaders for the Church, the workplace, and the world.
