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FROM THE SEMINARIES: NOBTS approves new VP; SBTS adds three to faculty


TRUSTEES: NOBTS approves new VP, student center renovation

By Gary D. Myers

NEW ORLEANS (BP) – The executive committee of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College trustees approved the appointment of Larry W. Lyon as vice president for business administration and a renovation plan for the school’s Hardin Student Center Dec. 1.

Leading up to the meeting, Pattie Shoener, vice president for business affairs, announced her intention to retire from NOBTS to care for her aging mother.

“Pattie has been everything I hoped she would be as the VP for business affairs when I hired her a year and a half ago,” said Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College. “She is a strong leader, excellent administrator, and an even better person.

“Her leadership will be missed on this campus, but her friendship even more. We thank God for the wonderful contribution she has made to the NOBTS family over the past 30 years.”

Shoener’s retirement necessitated the appointment of Larry Lyon as vice president for business administration. Lyon came to NOBTS in the summer of 2019 to serve as vice president for enrollment – a new position created by Dew to provide strategy and oversight to the school’s enrollment efforts.

“I have always had the highest confidence in Larry’s leadership and administrative abilities. Having worked with him for 10 years, I’ve seen his capabilities first hand and am excited to have him in the new role of VP for Business Administration,” Dew said. “He sees problems clearly and has the unique ability to build teams and systems that resolve difficulties and advance the mission of our school. This is why I brought him with me to NOBTS in the first place. I rest easier knowing that he will oversee the business and operations side of the house here at NOBTS and Leavell College.”

In addition to his business administration role, Lyon will retain oversight of admissions, enrollment, the registrar’s office and the office of communications and marketing. The former vice president for enrollment position will be converted to an associate vice president role. Lyon also serves on the seminary’s faculty as associate professor of ethics.

The trustees also approved a plan to renovate the Hardin Student Center. The planned improvements include cosmetic enhancements as well as new spaces for study and student collaboration. The most noticeable renovations will occur in the first-floor public spaces, including the atrium, the coffee shop and the post office. An anonymous donor gave funds to cover the cost of the project.

“The Hardin Student Center is one of the most important buildings on our campus. Yet, it is in much need of renovation and updating,” Dew said. “We are grateful to God for the generous gift of a donor that makes it possible for us to do just that. In the future, the HSC will be an enjoyable place for gatherings, fellowship, and student events.”

Working to strengthen and update the master’s programs focused on ministry to women, the trustees approved two new master’s degrees – the master of divinity with specialization in ministry to women and the master of arts in ministry to women. The 82- to 84-hour M.Div. and the 36-hour M.A. are designed to prepare women for vocational or lay leadership in ministry to women.


SBTS adds three to faculty

By Jeff Robinson

President R. Albert Mohler Jr. has appointed three new professors to the faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Scott Connell

Scott Connell was appointed as professor of church music and worship. He also serves as pastor of worship and communications at historic First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla. Connell is a face familiar to the SBTS family, having earned a Ph.D. in Christian worship and served as associate professor of music and worship leadership for eight years at Southern.

Bradley Green

Bradley Green was appointed to serve as professor of philosophy and theology. Green holds an Master of Divinity from Southern and a Ph.D. from Baylor University and is the author of several books, including Augustine of Hippo: His Life and Impact and Covenant and Commandment: Works, Obedience, and Faithfulness in the Christian Life.

John Henderson

John Henderson (Ph.D., University of North Texas) was appointed associate professor of biblical counseling. He also serves as an associate pastor at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark., primarily overseeing the counseling, equipping and family ministries.

Read the full story here.

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