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SBU begins search for new Redford College dean


BOLIVAR, Mo. (BP) — Southwest Baptist University will begin its search this month for the next dean of the university’s Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry.

Rodney Reeves, who has served on the SBU faculty for 19 years, 15 of those years as the Redford College dean, has resigned to serve as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Ark. In an Aug. 4th Facebook post, Reeves announced he would be leaving SBU to enter the pastorate. SBU President Eric Turner asked Missouri Baptists to pray for SBU as they seek a new dean for the Redford College.

Reeves’ resignation follows submission of peer assessment committee report

Because it is a personnel matter, SBU made no comment as to whether Reeves’ resignation was connected with the findings of an external peer assessment committee that was submitted in June. See related Baptist Press [/URL=http://bpnews.net/53290/mo-bapt-university-urged-to-clarify-faith-statement]report[/URL].

Reeves’ resignation comes less than a month after SBU released a preliminary statement about the findings of this committee, which was commissioned by SBU last December to foster “dialogue regarding faith and learning,” including “deeper conversations and evaluations regarding orthodoxy” within the university. The committee was led by David Dockery, chancellor of Trinity International University.

The committee found that SBU’s current Statement of Faith had not been implemented effectively across the fabric of the campus. It also encouraged the university to clarify its Statement of Faith. Turner praised the work of the committee and said he was committed to lead the efforts needed to ensure the spiritual vitality of SBU.

“Dr. Dockery and the committee,” Turner said, “have accurately and effectively surmised the situation in which SBU has found herself. Over the coming weeks and months, you will see evidence of SBU’s thoughtful response to this assessment.”