Batson declines Truett Seminary
deanship, search to continue
___By Mark Wingfield
___Managing Editor
___WACO--The search for a dean at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary has not ended as anticipated but instead will resume from scratch.
___"We interviewed three candidates, the deanship was offered to Howard Batson, and after prayerful consideration he asked that his name be removed from consideration,"
explained Baylor spokesman Larry Brumley. "The seminary will continue to search for a dean for Truett, and we will be seeking the input of pastors and educators throughout Baptist life and from Texas in particular."
___Batson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Amarillo since 1995, was among three finalists brought to campus for interviews in late November and early December. The other two finalists were Duane Garrett, an Old Testament professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, and Stanley Porter, a professor at the University of London-Roehampton in England.
___Each candidate met with students and faculty during the final interview process. The three finalists were selected by a university search committee.
___After those final interviews, the position was offered to Batson, who subsequently declined the invitation to become dean.
___In an interview with the Baptist Standard, Batson emphasized that his decision does not diminish his support for Truett and Baylor. Batson is a 1995 graduate of Baylor's doctor of philosophy program with a degree in New Testament, and he currently serves as a Baylor regent.
___"I think Truett only has a very bright future ahead," he said, citing construction of a new $17 million building and the anticipated infusion of several million dollars of new support from the Baptist General Convention of Texas next year.
___"There's no reason Truett will not stand alone as the premier seminary in Texas Baptist life," he asserted. "There was really nothing negative. I just never got a real sense of peace that God had finished my call here. I never felt released from the call to come to Amarillo.
___"When I looked at it on paper, I needed to pack up and go. When I examined my own heart and spirit, I felt like I needed to stay."
___Believing Truett is destined for greatness is what made his decision "very difficult," Batson said. "I know Truett is going to be outstanding. They have a very bright student body. I was very impressed with the faculty. They are outstanding scholars."
___Batson said there is "no bad blood or bad feelings at all" between him and Baylor over the decision. "I just couldn't get a sense of release from my calling to Amarillo."
___Batson said he will continue to support Truett "in any way I can" as a Baylor regent and pastor. "Perhaps at this time in my life, I can best serve them by being a very supportive pastor," he suggested.
___Batson also serves on the BGCT Administrative Committee.
___Brumley said he did not know whether the existing search committee would conduct the second round of the search process or if a new committee would be appointed. Regardless, it is "not unusual for Baylor to take up to two years to find a dean," he said, citing recent searches for leadership in the School of Education and School of Music.
___"We would welcome any recommendations or nominations," he said. "Those can be forwarded to the provost's office."
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The Baptist Standard
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