The Executive Committee of the NOBTS Board of Trustees approved a revision to the Doctor of Education program and heard other various updates during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3.  

The revision will allow students to earn a Master of Theology (ThM) degree while pursuing the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.  

“We are excited about this adjustment to the Doctor of Education program which will allow our students to maximize their time in the program,” NOBTS Provost Norris Grubbs said.  

“The Doctor of Education is one of our fastest growing doctoral programs and provides a unique blend of research and practical focus.” 

Additionally, trustees heard updates about a new major for the Leavell College Spanish program and a new presidentially-appointed faculty member.  

Grubbs notified the trustees that a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and counseling is now available through the Spanish program, which allows Spanish-speaking students to take classes from anywhere in the world through live-taught online classes.   

The rapidly expanding program will continue to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry degree.  

Grubbs spoke to the growing success of the seminary’s online Spanish program.  

“Students in the Spanish program have asked for more classes that equip them and prepare them for the ministry of counseling,” Grubbs said. “This program provides that training with a strong focus on biblical truth.” 

Lastly, trustees heard an announcement about presidentially-appointed faculty member Johann Acuña, who will serve as assistant professor of music and ministry.  

Acuña serves on the worship staff at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. 

Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, voiced his excitement for Acuña to join the NOBTS family.  

“We're thrilled to have Johann Acuña join our faculty,” Dew said. “He is extremely gifted musically, Godly and Christ-like in all that he does and he'll serve our students and faculty very well.”