Cynthia Bell currently serves as Vice President for Enrollment at Â鶹´«Ã½ overseeing both undergraduate and graduate admissions and enrollment. She is an active member of the Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (TACRAO) and the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP).
Vice President Bell began her career at Â鶹´«Ã½ in 2010, serving in several student services departments including the Learning Center, Financial Aid, and Student Billing. In 2017, she transitioned to the Undergraduate Admissions Office as Director of Online Admissions, where she quickly demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision. She was subsequently promoted to Director of Recruitment, then Dean of Admissions, before advancing to her current role as Vice President for Enrollment.
Throughout her tenure, Vice President Bell has consistently driven enrollment growth, even during periods of nationwide decline in higher education. Notably, in 2018, she led the online admissions team to achieve record-breaking new student enrollment. In the fall of 2024 and 2025, Nelson saw marked growth in traditional undergraduate enrollment under her leadership as dean. Her strategic and relentless approach to recruitment—highlighting the university through large-scale campus events, expansive travel recruitment, and many digital platforms—has resulted in significant gains in enrollment outcomes.
Vice President Bell has also played a key role in modernizing admissions operations and systems to align with best practices in higher education. She was also a key contributor to the recent university name change. Her strong communication skills and ability to build meaningful relationships have contributed to sustained health in dual credit and church partnerships. When she is not in her office or with her team, she can often be found interacting with current Nelson students through various speaking engagements, campus events, and pastoral leadership opportunities.
She holds an Associate of Arts in Bible and a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Â鶹´«Ã½, as well as a Master of Education from Nelson Graduate School. In addition to her academic and administrative work, she has served as both a children’s and youth pastor at two churches within the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God, Highland Meadows Church and Troy First Assembly of God. Vice President Bell is also deeply passionate about Royal Family Kids Camp and has been actively involved each year since Â鶹´«Ã½ began supporting the ministry.
Cynthia and her husband, Josh, have been married for fifteen years and first met while attending Nelson. Josh now serves as a firefighter and paramedic in Garland, Texas, where he also provides peer support to his fellow first-responders. Together, they have two children, Demi and Sawyer.
In her free time, Vice President Bell enjoys spending time with her family, planning events, traveling, supporting Â鶹´«Ã½ athletic teams, and renovating her historic home in Waxahachie, located just a few blocks from campus.