Monday, January 10, 2005

New deans named for SBTS, Boyce
February 09, 2004
By Jeff Robinson

New School of Theology dean Russell D. Moore (right) and Boyce College dean Jimmy Scroggins (center) greet well-wishers following Southern Seminary’s convocation service Jan. 27. Scroggins is pictured with his wife, Kristin. Also pictured is Billy Graham School professor George Martin. Photo by David Merrifield

Albert Mohler Jr. searched the nation for a new dean of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s School of Theology and for a new dean of Boyce College.

In the end, his choices were close at hand.

During Southern’s convocation service Jan. 27, Mohler announced the appointments of Russell D. Moore as dean of the School of Theology and James H. Scroggins IV as dean of Boyce College, the seminary’s undergraduate school.

Moore, 32, who also will serve as senior vice president for Academic Administration, most recently served as an assistant professor of theology at Southern and as executive director of the seminary’s Carl F.H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Moore earned his Ph.D from Southern Seminary.

Scroggins, 32, earned both his master of divinity and Ph.D from Southern Seminary. He currently serves as an assistant professor of youth ministry at Boyce College and as minister to students at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville.

“I think it speaks very clearly to the quality of students who have come here and the quality of the faculty who have taught them,” Mohler said. “We looked all over America and sought leaders for these two positions and there was just no doubt that the right man for each was one of our own. Institutions go through different periods and eras as the Lord presents us with new challenges and opportunities. I have absolute confidence that these two men have been given to us for this time and for years to come in order to make sure that Southern Seminary is always standing on the solid rock and on the cutting edge.”

Moore succeeds Daniel L. Akin, who was elected the sixth president of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., in early January. Moore is a native of Biloxi, Miss., and received a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

While completing his doctoral degree at Southern, Moore served as research assistant to Mohler. Moore and wife, Maria, have two sons.

“I am very humbled by this appointment and grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the Kingdom at this place,” Moore said.

“There are not many Timothys who get to serve with their Paul for a lifetime. So I am grateful to work alongside a president that has meant so much to me as a friend and mentor. I am also honored to serve and lead this faculty that I think is the greatest faculty in Baptist history.”

Not only does Moore bring a strong theological and academic acumen to the office of dean but also clear-sighted leadership, Mohler said.

“In Russ Moore we have a scholar of impeccable credentials, a tremendous mind and wonderful leadership ability,” Mohler said. “His classroom teaching is outstanding. His name is already known through his writing and cultural engagement. He will provide superior leadership for the School of Theology and for the total academic program for years to come.”

Scroggins succeeds Jerry Johnson who late last year was elected president of Criswell College in Dallas. Scroggins is a native of Panama City, Fla., who began as a student at the seminary in 1993, the year Mohler was elected president. He and wife, Kristin, have five sons.

“I am very excited to have come to this school as a student 10 years ago and for having been here through all the changes and all the different things that have happened here under Dr. Mohler’s leadership,” Scroggins said. “Now to get to join his administrative team is a real honor and privilege not only personally, but [also] as a strategic opportunity. I think Boyce College has the potential to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, training grounds for ministers to go to the churches of the world. That will continue to be the focus of Boyce College and I look forward to being a part of that.”

Mohler said Scroggins’ ability to mentor and lead young people made him a natural fit for the office at Boyce College.

“Jimmy Scroggins is a natural leader of young people,” Mohler said. “He combines a passion for working with students with solid academic credentials. In him you have the intersection of evangelism and training and theological education and the men-toring of young people. I am excited to see what he is going to do as the new dean of Boyce College.”