Search for a New Logsdon Dean Underway

The search process for selecting a new Logsdon Dean is progressing as a result of the May announcement that Dr. Thomas V. Brisco, the Dean of Logsdon Seminary and School of Theology since 2003, would be appointed as the new Provost and Chief Academic Officer for Hardin-Simmons University, a position which he assumed on June 1. Until the search process is complete, Dr. Don Williford, Professor of New Testament, will serve as the Interim Dean for Logsdon, a task that will include administrative responsibility for seminary, graduate and undergraduate programs. Williford returns to Logsdon after serving as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs for HSU during the 2009-2010 year. Dr. Bob Ellis, Phillips Professor of Hebrew & Old Testament and Associate Dean of Logsdon Seminary will continue to provide operational leadership for the Seminary.

In late May, Hardin-Simmons University President Dr. Lanny Hall announced a timeline for the search, which included the formation of both a search committee and a search advisory committee, the formulation of a position profile, the posting of the position announcement and the evaluation of candidates. Applicants are currently being accepted for this position. Evaluation of candidates will begin August 2, 2010.

The search committee is comprised of a total of four Logsdon faculty members representing the breadth of undergraduate (BA, BBS), graduate (MAR) and seminary (DMIN, MDIV, MAFM) programs available at Logsdon. In addition, two at large faculty members from HSU and one HSU dean from another department join the Logsdon faculty members on the search committee. Dr. Kenneth R. Lyle, Jr., Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek for Logsdon Seminary will serve as the chair for the Search Committee. For inquiries, more information or to apply, please contact Dr. Lyle at 325-670-5858 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Likewise, a seven-member Search Advisory Committee has also been formed to help add a diversity of voices representative of the wide swath of constituencies served by Logsdon. This committee will aid the President and Search Committee on criteria for the position while serving as advisers to both throughout the process. The Search Advisory Committee is comprised of the following: Dr. Emily Row-Prevost (undergraduate and MAR graduate of HSU), Dr. Steve Bezner (undergraduate and MAR graduate of HSU), The Rev. Phillip Thomas (MDIV graduate of Logsdon Seminary), Mrs. Abby Neinast (MAFM graduate of Logsdon Seminary), Dr. Tommy Culwell (undergraduate alum of HSU and longtime West Texas Pastor), Dr. Wayne Shuffield (undergraduate HSU alum and Director of the Center of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Baptist General Convention of Texas), and Dr. James Shields (retired Professor of Old Testament and Preaching at HSU).

To view the complete positing for the Dean of Logsdon Seminary and School of Theology search, please follow this link to the Hardin-Simmons University website.