The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College executive committee of trustees approved a new bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning, heard positive enrollment and fundraising reports, and announced two new administrative positions during its regularly scheduled meeting, June 6.
Pointing to the “trending upward” enrollment numbers, President Jamie Dew announced the faculty members slated to fill two new academic and administrative positions, a move reflecting the seminary’s academic and enrollment momentum.
Matt James was named vice president for enrollment and Cory Barnes was named dean of doctoral studies and distance learning.
James, assistant professor of historical theology, moved into the position from his current role as associate vice president for enrollment. Barnes, associate professor of Old Testament, was promoted to dean from his role as associate vice president of distance learning.
“Matt James and Cory Barnes are going to be two fantastic additions to my presidential cabinet,” Dew said. “They’ve already demonstrated a high level of insight, intuition and ability in their previous leadership roles. But with these new responsibilities, we believe that they’ll add significant strength to our increasing efforts in academics and enrollment.”
Dew noted academic revisions that have strengthened the seminary’s academic structure.
“In the last four years, we have updated and overhauled every single academic program in our institution,” Dew said. “These changes have made them more academically rigorous and better entuned with ministry needs in the 21st century. Our team is well suited to execute the ministry assignment that Southern Baptists have given to our institution.”
In curriculum changes, trustees approved a 120-hour bachelor of arts degree in teaching and learning
designed to be completed in three and a half years, or less. The program’s design provides students
training in classroom organization and management and educational principles as well as practical exposure to teaching and managing a classroom.
In his presidential report, Dew announced to trustees that fundraising numbers last year hit the mark of “best year ever.” Dew praised his team and those involved in fundraising and noted that this year’s fundraising is on course to be in the top five of all years, or higher.
In other news, Dew reported that plans to open a medical clinic on campus are moving forward. The clinic is planned in partnership with Baptist Community Health Services, a non-profit, federally-qualified provider offering comprehensive medical care to all, regardless of income and insurance status, through its five locations across the Greater New Orleans area.
In other actions, trustees approved some additions to the associate degree program, including a Korean Track and a Spanish Track benefiting those who have English as a second language.
