DEAN OF LOGSDON SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
JULY 7, 2010
Applications are invited for the position of Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology, Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene, Texas.
Qualifications: Hardin Simmons University seeks a qualified educator with a Ph.D. (or academic equivalent) who can oversee both the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, and the graduate programs of Logsdon Seminary. In addition to providing required core courses in religion to all HSU undergraduate students, the University programs of the Logsdon School of Theology include both undergraduate majors and minors, and a Master of Arts in Religion. As a part of the Logsdon School of Theology, Logsdon Seminary offers a Master of Divinity, a Master of Arts in Family Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry.
The Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology must be a visionary, collegial leader who has administrative skills, educational experience, and the ability to secure resources for theological education. This individual must have the capacity to promote and maintain healthy relationships with a broad range of Baptist constituencies and other Christian traditions and faith-based groups. The person in this position must be an active member of a Baptist church; experienced in church ministry leadership; committed to the church; and supportive of the purpose of Hardin-Simmons University and the mission and principles of the Logsdon School of Theology. HSU is a liberal arts university established in 1891, and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The Logsdon School of Theology currently has eighteen faculty members teaching in the University programs and the Seminary. The characteristics and criteria for the Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology provide additional information.Description: The Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology reports directly to the Provost and serves on the Academic Committee and Deans Council. The dean provides leadership in the form of planning, development, and implementation of all academic programs in the Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary. The dean helps to determine policies and directs the administrative functions of Logsdon. The dean is directly responsible for personnel decisions, curriculum, budgeting, faculty and student recruitment, external relations, planning, assessment, and accreditation issues. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience. The university provides a generous benefit package that. For more information concerning personnel benefits offered to HSU employees, visit the HSU Benefits Link on the Human Resources page of the HSU web site.
The Community: Abilene is a West Texas center for education, health care, commerce, non-profit organizations, and the arts with a metropolitan population of approximately 120,000. Located on Interstate 20 about midway between Midland/Odessa and Dallas/Ft. Worth, Abilene offers many of the amenities of a large city in a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Application: Applications should include a letter of interest; a personal statement of faith and teaching philosophy; complete vitae which describes educational, ecclesial, and professional background and gives evidence of professional and scholarly contributions; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five references. All applications and nominations will be treated in confidence. Review of applications will begin on August 2, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.
Send applications to: Dr. Kenneth R. Lyle, Jr.
Chair, Dean Search Committee
Hardin-Simmons University
PO Box 16200
Abilene, TX 79698-6200BACKGROUND SCREEN.
HSU's liability insurance carrier requires the university to conduct a background check of potential employees. In Texas, information about an applicant's race and gender is required in order to check the applicant's background. HSU does not use information about an applicant's race or gender in making any decision related to employment. Candidates selected as finalists for this position must agree to a background screen to complete the application process. The disclosure form can be downloaded by following this link: DISCLOSURE FORM
PERSONNEL BENEFITS:
For information concerning personnel benefits offered to HSU employees, visit the HSU Benefits page or call the HSU Human Resources Office at (325) 670-1507.The Characteristics and Criteria for the Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology
The next Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary will be a person who is:
A. A visionary, collegial leader with impeccable personal qualities;
B. Experienced in securing resources for theological education;
C. An experienced scholar, with significant university or seminary classroom teaching experience;
D. A leader who values diversity in higher education and in the church;
E. Supportive of women in ministry;
F. Aware of the importance of spiritual formation for students, faculty and staff;
G. Adaptable, innovative, creative and open to non-traditional delivery methods;
H. Committed to preparing future leaders for local church ministry;
I. Known for modeling a collaborative leadership style;
J. Understanding of the importance of undergraduate and graduate education in a university setting;
K. An active member of a Baptist church;
L. Experienced in church ministry leadership in the tradition of Texas Baptists;
M. Able to promote and maintain healthy relationships with a broad range of Baptist constituencies and other Christian traditions and faith-based groups;
N. Sensitive to, and comfortable with interacting with students from other religious perspectives and traditions;
O. Knowledgeable in the process of ATS and SACS accreditation;
P. Committed to academic assessment;
Q. Experienced in management, planning, and budgeting;
R. A team player, able to be a strong advocate for the Logsdon School of Theology and a cooperative colleague with the HSU administration and other schools’/colleges’ personnel in furthering the broader institutional goals.
Statement of Purpose
Hardin-Simmons University, a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (see the web site at http://www.hsutx.edu):
Fosters the intellectual development of students by providing an academically challenging undergraduate education based upon a liberal arts foundation, and advances scholarly growth by offering specialized graduate and professional degree programs.
Academic excellence continues as a priority at Hardin-Simmons University as it has for more than a century. The core curriculum involves students in a broad range of inquiry relating general studies with requirements of the chosen major. Graduate programs broaden the scope of learning in scientific and professional disciplines and encourage students to regard learning as a lifelong process. Small classes taught by experienced scholars give the opportunity for interactive learning. The institution’s commitment to excellence is best illustrated through the lives of graduates who traditionally have excelled in a wide variety of fields.
Affirms the relevance and importance of the Christian faith for life in the contemporary world by maintaining a clear identification with the loyalty to the Christian faith and functioning within the context of history Baptist values and principles.
Founded in 1891 by a determined group of ministers, ranchers and merchants, Hardin-Simmons University established dual goals of developing the mind and nurturing the spiritual life of its students. That commitment to encourage growth in faith and knowledge has remained central. Believing academic excellence and Christian faith to be complementary, the University emphasizes the need for interaction between faith and reason.
Encourages individuals to lead lives of service through active involvement in intellectual, cultural and religious life, both on the campus and in the larger communities of Abilene and the world.
Although Western in tradition, the University takes pride in the cosmopolitan nature of its students, faculty and staff, and encourages the development of an international perspective. Through its leadership in providing intellectual, spiritual, cultural and social opportunities, the University serves as catalyst for the advancement and enrichment of its students and the community.
Statement of Mission and Principles
The mission of the Logsdon School of Theology is to prepare men and women for effective leadership in the ministry of the churches.
The Logsdon School of Theology is deeply rooted in the life and faith of Baptists. We value our heritage and are committed to these principles (see the web site at http://www.hsutx.edu/academics/logsdon/index.html):
The supreme authority of the living Christ who is the center of our faith and learning.
The centrality of the Bible as the essential and trustworthy guide for faith and life
The reality of salvation by grace through faith
The priesthood of every believer and the autonomy of the individual soul before God
The liberty of conscience and religious freedom in society and the church
The autonomy of the local church and congregational authority within the church
The priority of missions and ministry in the life of the church.
The Logsdon School of Theology seeks to prepare ministers who value this heritage of faith and freedom and who are equipped to lead others to embrace it as a worthy foundation for the life and work of God’s people.
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