New Year With a New Provost

Westmont’s new provost Kim Battle-Walters Denu and her family have arrived in Santa Barbara. She began August 1 and has been getting to know faculty who are preparing for the first day of classes August 29. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome her to Westmont,” says Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe. “With her 25 years of experience as a senior leader in Christian higher education and her deep commitment to a life of faith, she brings the perfect blend of rigorous academics and deep love of God that we desire.”

Previously, she served as interim director at the District Church in Washington, D.C., and as vice president for education programs for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. She spent much of her career at Azusa Pacific University, most recently as vice president and chief diversity officer. 

Denu, born and raised in Los Angeles, says her husband and three children are overjoyed to be at Westmont and to be a part of the Santa Barbara community.

“We have been warmly welcomed by President Beebe, the Westmont community, and our local neighbors,” she says. “We have enjoyed the hospitality of community members who have dropped off fresh bread, delivered flowers and cards, and who have invited us to their homes. We feel blessed to be here.”