Administration
KRIS PALMER,
PRESIDENT, TRUSTEE
Kris is a graduate of Liberty Theological Seminary, holds a Ph.D. in Leadership, and Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. He has served many years as a church leader, a teacher, and an educational administrator. Kris has been a part of HCC since its inception, and has filled a variety of roles, both in teaching and administration. His passion for the educational process and his love of learning provide both vision and direction for the College. He and his wife, Martha, are the parents of four children and a growing number of grandchildren.
MARTHA PALMER,
ACADEMIC DEAN
Martha is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a Masters in Education in curriculum development and design. With a foundation of many years of teaching and administration in both public and private educational settings, she brings a depth of experience to HCC’s academic program. Martha is passionate to see dynamic teachers raised up who will serve the coming generations.
DARIN RIHANEK,
DEAN OF STUDENTS/DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION
Darin is a graduate of Northeast Missouri Bible College and holds a Master of Arts in Religion; Worship Studies degree from Liberty Theological Seminary. Darin serves as both the Dean of Students and Dean of Administration as well as teaches select courses.
Faculty
DAVE BARTON
David holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Piedmont International University. With an emphasis in missions, and with leadership influence in both his local church and in churches worldwide, Dave encourages students to embrace a life of service both at home and abroad.
ANDREW MELTON
Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages and a Master of Arts in Old Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His passion for learning, and his love of the Bible combine to make him an asset to the teaching team at Heartland Christian College.
MOLLY NICKERSON
Molly holds a Master’s of Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. She is the HCC head librarian as well as serves in a teaching capacity. Molly’s desire is to see young people grow as disciples and increase their passion for Jesus.
JACOB LECKICH
Jacob holds a Master of Arts in Ministry Service from Spurgeon College, as well as both a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His academic interests center on church history, hermeneutics, and covenant theology. Jacob is passionate about helping students cultivate a faith that seeks understanding.
SCOTT SQUIRES
Scott holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from the University of Birmingham. His years of educational experience in both high school and college settings enable him to serve students coming from a variety of educational backgrounds.
MAURICIO TORO
Mauricio holds a Masters in Business Administration from Quincy University. His desire is to ignite a passion in students to honor and glorify God with every part of one’s life. As a native of Colombia, South America, Mauricio brings a love for the nations to the HCC campus.
Staff
JUDI BARTON
Judi severs as the HCC Enrollment Management Officer. Her passion for hospitality is a great asset for welcoming students into the college. Judi has worked for several years in administrative positions and in discipleship ministry.
RUSSELL MORROW
Russell serves as the HCC Recruiter. He holds an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from the College. Russell enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life and has a strong desire for young people to experience the joys of discipleship as a lifestyle.
PETER NICKERSON
Peter graduated with an Associate Degree from Heartland Christian College and serves as an administrative aid in the College. He has a heart to see young people find their place in the church and is active on his local church worship team and youth group.
CHRISTIE RIHANEK
Christie is the HCC Registrar. She graduated from Northeast Missouri Bible College and has maintained close ties to the college through the years, directing music for chapels and interacting with Worship Team classes. Christie has a heart to serve HCC students in a variety of ways.
CATHY SMITH
Cathy serves in the HCC Office. As a graduate from Heartland Christian College with an Associate Degree, she has a heart to see the College flourish. In addition to her administrative skills, Cathy serves in the area of worship and missions hospitality.
ANNA SWARTZENTRUBER
Anna is the Heartland Christian College Residential Director for the girls’ home. Her love for God’s word and for the historical context of the Bible are a real asset to the College. She also leads the Scribbles & Scribes graphics design department at Heartland.
Board of Trustees
DAVID MELTON
CHAIRMAN
David is the General Counsel and a Vice President for Ozark National Life Insurance in Kansas City, MO. He and his family live in Smithville, MO. David has many years of legal experience working with not-for-profit organizations.
TIMOTHY BELZ
VICE CHAIRMAN
Tim is an attorney at law from Webster Groves, MO. He primarily serves in the greater St. Louis area. During the last 20 years, he has handled dozens of cases on the constitutional rights of individuals and organizations as well as practiced in many state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.
GEMMA CIESEMIER
SECRETARY
Gemma is a family medicine physician in Kirksville, MO, practicing for over 20 years. A native of Spain, Gemma desires to see each person she affects living a healthy lifestyle mentally, spiritually, and physically.
WOODY COZAD
TRUSTEE
Woody has more than 30 years of political and legal experience. He currently works in government relations in the state of Missouri and resides in Platte City, MO. He has previously served on a number of not-for-profit boards.
John Molina
TRUSTEE
John has many years of leadership experience in international church work, and he currently serves as the senior pastor of Christian Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. A native of Colombia, South America, John has a passion to leave a legacy to the younger generations.
VICTOR PAVLOVSKI
TRUSTEE
Victor is a pastor and church planter from the Republic of Moldova. He and his leadership team have planted over 100 churches in the Republic of Moldova and plan to continue planting these local churches throughout the region.
CLIFFORD TALTON
TRUSTEE
Clifford is the Principal at Monroe City R-1 High School. With more than 10 years of experience in education, Clifford is dedicated to creating a supportive and effective learning environment.