Tom Ramsey joins IA team in Houston

Charles Patrick Jr.

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Southwestern Seminary welcomes Tom Ramsey to the institutional advancement team of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ramsey serves as a development officer, residing at Southwestern’s Havard School for Theological Studies in Houston. He is primarily responsible for taking care of Southwestern’s ministry partners and ministering to their needs and secondarily for matching ministry partners’ passions with opportunities at Southwestern Seminary.

Ramsey was born in Fort Worth, Texas, while his father, Rev. E.P. Ramsey Jr., attended Southwestern Seminary to earn a Master of Religious Education. His father surrendered to the call of ministry at age 15, preached his first sermon at age 16 on Romans 1:16, and went on to pastor seven churches in Texas, serving 30 years as pastor of First Baptist Church Crockett. Hence, Ramsey was a “preacher’s kid” and knows well the needs of the church and the importance of having God-called men and women theologically equipped to serve.

God has uniquely prepared Ramsey to serve Southwestern Seminary beyond merely his childhood experience, especially for the greater Houston area. Recently, Ramsey retired as senior vice president from RPS Klotz Associates, a Texas-based civil engineering company responsible for public works and infrastructure projects in Houston and throughout Texas and North America. In this role, Ramsey was afforded the opportunity to develop numerous business, government and community relationships. Moreover, he is a well-respected civil engineer noted for his integrity, prowess and relationship skills, attested by the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers awarding him the Service to People Award in 2012. Ramsey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M in 1974.

Ramsey was elected mayor of the City of Spring Valley Village, Texas, a city in Harris County surrounded by the 4 million people of Houston. This position has continued to expand key relationships and further highlights his servant’s heart. The University of Houston recently recognized him as Public Official of the Year. Ramsey will retain this public official role and serves as president of the Harris County Mayors Council Association in 2017-2018.

Ramsey’s relationship with Southwestern Seminary runs deeper than merely his father being an alumnus. He is often overheard referring to Southwestern Seminary as the “Fort Knox of theological education.” Ramsey and his wife, Marsha, previously served as active members of the Board of Visitors and have traveled extensively with the seminary on mission and business trips, including Germany, Israel, Jordan, China, Thailand and Africa. Mrs. Ramsey earned two degrees from Southwestern—a Master in Christian Education (2004) and a Master of Divinity (2013)—and she is actively involved in Southwestern’s Women’s Auxiliary. In 2013, Southwestern Seminary awarded Tom and Marsha Ramsey the L.R. Scarborough Award for their service and impact on Southwestern.

The Ramseys have been married for almost 45 years and have three grown, married children and seven grandchildren, all who live in the Houston area. They are active members of Second Baptist of Houston.