Trustees affirm new scholarships, move of Havard campus

Trustees affirmed the creation of 20 new scholarships; accepted an invitation to move the Havard campus to a more strategic location; approved students for spring and summer graduation; approved a budget of $35,947,605.00 for the 2018-19 fiscal year; and conducted other business at their spring meeting, April 10-11. 

New Scholarships

At the recommendation of Southwestern President Paige Patterson, trustees affirmed the creation of 20 scholarships for African-American students to be named after Southwestern graduates S.M. Lockridge and Eugene Florence. Both Lockridge and Florence were early African-American students at Southwestern who went on to serve in the pastorate. Ten scholarships were created last year, and an additional 10 scholarships will be created this year.

Move of Havard Campus

Also at the president’s recommendation, trustees voted to accept the invitation to move the J. Dalton Havard School for Theological Studies in Houston from its present location to nearby Sagemont Church, beginning Aug. 1. Patterson said, “It moves us into a more accessible place. We are very grateful for Sagemont making available their facilities to us. It will be a very commodious area that students can get to easily.” In light of this move, trustees also approved the sale of Havard’s current facilities. 

Reduction in Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Biblical Studies

Trustees approved a reduction in the bachelor’s in Humanities and Biblical Studies degree from 129 hours to 125. This includes the elimination of English IV: Speech, Health Science, Math for Financial Management, PE, and Christian Life. Furthermore, the courses Reasoning and Virtues of Godly Character will be changed from 2 hours to 3 hours. Finally, students will be required to take two additional 3-hour electives. 

Officer Elections

Trustees reelected Kevin Ueckert, lead pastor of the First Baptist Church of Georgetown, Texas, as chairman of the board. In addition, they elected Connie Hancock, pastor of Springboro Baptist Church, Ohio, as vice chairman; and Philip Levant, pastor of Iglesia Bautista La Vid in Hurst, Texas, as secretary.

Faculty Promotions

Matthew McKellar, associate professor of preaching, was promoted to professor of preaching. 

Terri Stovall, associate professor of women’s ministries, was promoted to professor of women’s ministries.  

Mike Wilkinson, assistant professor of theology, was promoted to associate professor of theology. 

John Yeo, assistant professor of Old Testament, was promoted to associate professor of Old Testament. 

Furthermore, Michael Crisp, assistant professor of collegiate ministry, was approved to occupy the Edgar “Preacher” Hallock Chair of Baptist Student Work. 

All promotions are effective Aug. 1.