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鶹TV Board of Trustees releases Executive Summary of Peer Assessment Committee report

BOLIVAR, Mo. — After presenting Peer Assessment Committee findings to Southwest Baptist University’s full Board of Trustees today (Oct. 22), the Executive Committee is releasing the Executive Summary. 
 
The Peer Assessment Committee, chaired by Dr. David Dockery, chancellor of Trinity International University, conducted an external review of 鶹TV’s integration of faith, learning and orthodoxy. In particular, the committee evaluated the key elements of Baptist distinctiveness that inform 鶹TV’s identity as a Missouri Baptist institution.  
 
Since receiving the report in July, progress has been made toward implementing the recommendations presented in the report. Progress that already has been made includes: 

  • Statement of Faith work group — Rains appointed a work group to examine and revise 鶹TV’s Statement of Faith to reflect 21st-Century evangelicals and also protect the University’s Baptist identity. Work group members are Ryan Palmer, Board of Trustees vice chairman; Dr. Bing Bayer, professor of Biblical studies and Hebrew; Dr. Todd Decker, trustee; Donna Neil, trustee; Dr. Eddie Bumpers, trustee; a representative from Faculty Senate; and Dr. Eric Turner, 鶹TV president, as ex-officio. The committee is planning to present an update at the board’s April meeting.
  • Redford dean search — After Dr. Rodney Reeves, former dean of the Redford College, submitted his resignation in early August, 鶹TV began a nationwide search to fill the vacant position.
  • Filling vacant faculty position 鶹TV has hired Dr. Matt Kimbrough, a 2008 鶹TV graduate, as an Assistant Professor of Theology, filling a vacancy in the Redford College faculty. Kimbrough is a 2008 鶹TV graduate with a degree in Biblical Studies with a concentration in New Testament and previously has served as an adjunct professor for 鶹TV.
  • Curriculum updates — Curriculum review and changes are in progress for degrees offered within The Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry.
  • New employee interviews — President Turner has implemented a new policy to require his interviewing of every prospective employee. This policy change ensures all new employees align with the University’s Christ-centered mission.

“This work is just the beginning,” said 鶹TV President Dr. Eric A. Turner. “We have additional initiatives related to the report that are still pending. You will continue to see evidence in the months ahead of how this external review is guiding us to build a stronger foundation for 鶹TV.” 
 
The report’s conclusion includes, “The challenges facing 鶹TV in recent months are best viewed as an opportunity from the Lord to clarify and solidify the theological identity and denominational commitments of the school. The committee encourages the 鶹TV community to take the next steps to strengthen the university’s mission, Baptist identity, and doctrinal commitments in order to enhance distinctive Christian higher education at 鶹TV in the years ahead.” 

Download the complete copy of the Executive Summary.