NEW ORLEANS (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary professor Jerry Barlow has been appointed as the seminary’s dean of graduate studies, President Chuck Kelley announced during the trustee executive committee meeting June 10.
“Dr. Barlow brings wonderful pastoral skills to the work of a dean and the work of encouraging the faculty,” Kelley said. “We think he is a model of what a faculty member should be.”
New Orleans Seminary has three academic deans who work under the supervision of Provost Steve Lemke. As dean of graduate studies, Barlow will oversee the master’s and doctoral programs for the seminary. The other academic deans are Jimmy Dukes, dean of the Extension Center System, who oversees the seminary’s 14 centers throughout the Southeast; and Thomas Strong, dean of Leavell College, the seminary’s undergraduate school.
“With over 20 years of pastoral experience and his faculty experience, I can think of no one who is more imminently qualified to guide the faculty and students of the seminary than Dr. Jerry Barlow,” Lemke said. “His administrative gifts, commitment to research and writing, kind spirit and pastor’s heart will make him an excellent academic dean.”
Barlow, a Mississippi native, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Miss. He went on to serve as a gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy. Later, Barlow earned the master of divinity and the doctor of theology degrees from New Orleans Seminary.
He came back to New Orleans Seminary in 1996 to lead the department of general education in the College of Undergraduate Studies, now Leavell College, after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Franklinton, La., for 15 years. In 1998, Barlow began teaching graduate courses in the division of pastoral ministries. A skilled preacher and communicator, he teaches in the areas of communications, pastoral work and homiletics.
One of Barlow’s major contributions to the seminary has come through his role as the director of the communication center. Through his efforts, most of the classrooms at NOBTS have been equipped with the latest multi-media, video and computer technology to aid in the teaching process.
In 2002, Barlow worked with Joe Cothen on a revision and expansion of “Equipped for Good Work: A Guide for Pastors,” the primary textbook for pastoral ministry courses at the seminary. Barlow has written two other textbooks, “Pastoral Care PM 0351: Study Guide” and “Studying and Serving with Success: Integrating Academics and Ministry.”
Barlow was appointed after the departure of Perry Hancock, who served as dean of graduate studies since 2001. Hancock, who joined the faculty in 1993, was named the executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe in May.
Active in state and denominational work, Barlow served as an executive board member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention (1984-90) and served on the board of directors for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (1986-94). He has also served on the seminary’s foundation board since 1987.
“Dr. Jerry Barlow is a man of impeccable integrity and is well suited for the task of the dean of graduate studies,” said trustee chairman T.C. French Jr., who recently served as president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. “He has demonstrated his commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom for many years. NOBTS is very fortunate to have a man of his caliber.”
Barlow and his wife, Lynne, have one daughter, Cathy Barlow Edmonson. She works at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at www.bpnews.net. Photo title: JERRY BARLOW.
