Hemphill says Blaising's hiring culminates convention-wide search    

by   David Porter                                                                                                                                   Vol. XIV, No. 10, Nov/Dec 2001

The hiring of a new executive vice president and provost highlighted the trustee meeting at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Oct. 16-17. Craig Blaising, who will serve as the chief operational officer and chief academic officer of the Fort Worth, TX, seminary, will assume the posts Jan. 1. Blaising, who also will join the faculty as a professor of theology, currently is professor of Christian theology and associate vice president for doctoral studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Hemphill told trustees he was "thrilled and honored to present Craig Blaising to you" as his choice for the provost position. His hiring successfully concludes "an extensive convention-wide search" for a new chief academic officer, Hemphill said.

Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. described Blaising as "a world-class scholar, a fine administrator and a Christian gentleman. His scholarship is rooted in his deep Christian conviction. He is a skilled teacher and mentor to students.

"Craig Blaising will be a wonderful provost for Southwestern Seminary," Mohler continued. "He is a great asset to the Southern Baptist Convention and the larger evangelical world." Mohler said Blaising "has served with distinction, is a cherished friend and colleague, and he will be greatly missed."

Among Southwestern's academic highlights this year thus far, Hemphill pointed out that the seminary's international student enrollment of 244, representing 45 countries, is larger than the total enrollments of 70 percent of all U.S. seminaries. A new compact disc produced by the admissions office was introduced by Hemphill which includes the contents of the course catalog and interviews with faculty and students. Hemphill told trustees the CD will save the seminary about $50,000 in printing and mailing the catalog this year. One of the seminary's master of arts in communication students assisted in the project.

Hemphill thanked Southern Baptists for their continued support, totaling more than $11 million through the Cooperative Program in the 2000-2001 fiscal year, accounting for 43 percent of the seminary's operating budget. Hemphill also thanked Texas Baptists who gave about $1 million through designated gifts through the Baptist General Convention of Texas and nearly $500,000 through the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention.

Southwestern's fall enrollment is 3,066 students, a slight increase over the fall of 2000. David McQuitty, dean of student services, said enrollment in Internet and Lay Theological Studies courses has nearly doubled over a year ago. [BP]