Criswell accreditation status reaffirmed

DALLAS—The accrediting agency for Criswell College voted Dec. 5 to reaffirm the school’s accreditation status. “Criswell College has been providing the highest-quality education for Christian leaders available for 40 years, and we are pleased that SACS has re-affirmed us to continue providing that same quality for years to come,” college President Jerry Johnson said in a statement.

As part of his Dec. 2 report at the Criswell College Board of Trustees meeting, Johnson told trustees to expect a decision on re-affirmation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The Criswell board also acted at that meeting to approve a new degree plan in church planting and revitalization (CPR) following extensive interviews with 12 nationally known leaders in the field of study who shared what Johnson described as “the best courses, best professors, best practices and best books.”

A committee of three Criswell professors developed the content, which could be studied as a major for the bachelor of arts degree in biblical studies or for a certificate in church planting.

“We have people who are middle-aged or seniors who want to come and learn church planting, but we’re also hoping to equip a lot of church planters who are not even looking for the degree,” Johnson told the board.

Among those who offered input on the curriculum were Barry Calhoun, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention church planting team leader, International Mission Board President Tom Elliff, North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell, Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright and numerous church planters.

For information on enrolling in the program contact the school toll-free at 800-899-0012 or visit criswell.edu.

The board also elected Barry K. Creamer as the new vice president of academic affairs, replacing Lamar E. Cooper Sr., who requested a return to full-time teaching in the areas of Old Testament and archaeology. See related article at http://texanonline.net/news/creamer-elected-criswell-vp-of-academic-affairs.

Trustees approved for re-election include: David Galvan, Garland; Curtis Baker, Lindale; Paul Pressler, Houston; Richard Land, Nashville; Susie Hawkins, Dallas; and Barbara Stephens, Dallas. Each was recommended by the SBTC and the W.A. Criswell Foundation.

The board also approved a recommendation establishing a standing Investment Committee, housing allowances for 2012, the annual audit report, a tuition assistance policy for full-time faculty members to pursue more graduate and post-graduate level education, a faculty travel fund for attendance at professional conferences, and proposed college departmental outcomes.

Resolutions of appreciation honored the 25 years of service by Cooper and expressed appreciation for the life of Edward J. Drake, a former board member from Dallas who died Nov. 25.

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