HBTS authorized to grant degrees

February 10, 2003

HBTS authorized to grant degrees
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___Hispanic Baptist Theological School in San Antonio has earned state authority to grant baccalaureate degrees.
___The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board voted Jan. 30 to give Hispanic Baptist Theological School that right. The coordinating board holds state authority to approve the granting of degrees by private postsecondary educational institutions.
___"This landmark decision is significant in the life of Hispanic Baptist Theological School because it is the first time in our 56-year history that we are authorized to grant a baccalaureate degree on our own merit," said President Albert Reyes.
___After an on-site evaluation last October, the coordinating board's Certification Advisory Council met Dec. 13 to review the report and the school's written response to its evaluation. The council voted unanimously to recommend that the school be given authority to grant degrees.
___Hispanic Baptist Theological School will award bachelor of arts degrees in biblical/theological studies to graduating students at its May 2003 commencement. Previously, the school offered certificates and diplomas to its graduates.
___HBTS currently is seeking accreditation as a Bible college. The school already has achieved candidate status with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges.
___Founded in 1947 as Mexican Baptist Bible Institute, the Hispanic Baptist Theological School is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
___The school historically has been the leading educator of Hispanic Texas Baptist church leaders. Alumni provide pastoral leadership for about three-fourths of the 1,000 Hispanic congregations affiliated with the BGCT.

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