Trustees approve philosophy degree, reaffirm media policy

Southwestern Seminary’s board of trustees approved a new master’s degree in philosophy; reaffirmed the seminary’s media policy; promoted and elected faculty; and conducted other business during their fall meeting, Oct. 17-19.

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Trustees approved a new 48-hour master of arts in philosophy degree. The program includes 11 hours of theology and ministry studies, 31 hours of philosophical studies, and 6 hours of elective courses.

Regarding why a theological seminary would teach philosophy, Southwestern President Paige Patterson explained, “Everybody is a philosopher. The question is, are you a good one or a bad one? We’ve already seen what bad ones can do; they’re a dime a dozen. And so we are committed to having good philosophers and to making good thinkers and philosophers out of our people.”

Patterson added that Southwestern has multiple faculty who specialize in this field and are making “monumental contributions” to discussions on such matters as the problem of evil, the existence of God, and evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. This program, therefore, will utilize their expertise to the benefit of students.

Media Policy

In response to the motion at the most recent meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention to examine the media policies of SBC entities, Patterson, speaking on behalf of the executive committee of the board of trustees, affirmed that Southwestern continues its longstanding policy of welcoming press to the general sessions of trustee meetings. He added that, when helpful, the seminary will also provide a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting.

Regarding sessions other than the general session, Patterson noted that “committee meetings often deal with personal issues, personal concerns, sensitive donor information, and other issues, which are neither necessary nor helpful for the general public.” Patterson also said that Southwestern reserves the right to publish its own press release before other news agencies publish their own.

Sale of Garrett Manor Apartments

Trustees approved Vice President for Business Administration Kevin Ensley to market and sell the Garrett Manor apartment complex, located south of the Southwestern campus. Much like the previous sale of the E.D. Head apartments, this sale is motivated by a desire to bring student housing closer to the main campus, which will allow the provision of greater security for students.

Faculty Promotions

Deron Biles, associate professor of pastoral ministries and preaching, was promoted to professor of pastoral ministries and preaching.

Evan Lenow, assistant professor of ethics, was promoted to associate professor of ethics.

Tony Maalouf, professor of world Christianity, was promoted to distinguished professor of world Christianity and Middle Eastern studies.

Faculty Elections

Michael Crisp was elected assistant professor of collegiate ministry in the Terry School of Church and Family Ministries.

Timothy Deahl was elected dean of the Southwestern Center for Extension Education and professor of Old Testament.

Steven James was elected assistant professor of systematic theology in the College at Southwestern.

Katie McCoy was elected assistant professor of theology in women’s studies in the College at Southwestern.

Mark A. Taylor was elected professor of conducting in the School of Church Music.

Kyle Walker was elected assistant professor of preaching in the School of Preaching.

Hongyi Yang was elected assistant professor of theology in women’s studies in the School of Theology.

All faculty promotions and elections are effective immediately.