SWBTS trustees approve new faculty, M.A. in Philosophy, media policy

FORT WORTH—The election of new faculty, approval of an M.A. in philosophy degree and clarification of the board’s media policy were among actions taken at the fall meeting of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary trustees Oct. 19.

Seven new faculty members previously serving under appointment were elected by trustees, including Timothy Deahl as dean of the Southwestern Center for Extension Education and professor of Old Testament; Michael Crisp as assistant professor of collegiate ministry in the Jack Terry School of Church and Family Ministries; Mark Taylor as professor of conducting in the School of Church Music; Kyle Walker as assistant professor of preaching in the School of Preaching; and Hongyi Yang as assistant professor in women’s studies in the School of Theology.

Elected to the faculty of the College at Southwestern are Steven James as assistant professor of systematic theology and Katie McCoy as assistant professor of theology in women’s studies.

Trustees promoted Deron Biles to professor of pastoral ministries and preaching, Evan Lenow to associate professor of ethics and Tony Maalouf to distinguished professor of world Christianity and Middle Eastern studies.

In response to a motion presented by a messenger to the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention seeking clarification from all entities, the board’s executive committee stipulated that plenary sessions are open to the media. The statement noted that committee meetings “often deal with personnel issues, pastoral concerns, sensitive donor information, and other issues,” however SWBTS President Paige Patterson said members of the media may request the opportunity to observe those sessions at the discretion of the committee chairman.

The board also approved a new 48-hour master of arts in philosophy degree, selected recipients for the B.H. Carroll and L. R. Scarborough awards, approved December graduates and received audited financial statements for the seminary and foundation. Trustees granted permission to sell property utilized for Garrett Manor Apartments located 1.2 miles south of the campus.