Mary Jo Sharp, a former atheist who now is assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University, delivered a chapel address at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. “I didn’t mean to become an apologist,” someone who makes a case for belief in God and defends against objections to that belief, she said. “I just started answering questions to my own doubts, and that landed me in this field of apologetics.” An appropriate degree of skepticism that prompts Christians to ask hard questions helps them develop into mature believers—provided it doesn’t turn into a cynicism that questions everyone’s motive and assumes the worst, she said. Sharp encouraged Christians to adopt a realistic attitude about other believers and to choose hope over hopelessness. “I can’t walk away from the framework of what God has done for us to provide us real hope through the resurrection of Jesus,” she said. “That’s real evidence of hope. Christianity provides me the framework—that grounding for hope.”
Dallas Baptist University and East Texas Baptist University recently were named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll. Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for two-year colleges, recognizes the importance of institutional commitment and investment of resources to support transfer students. The honor roll acknowledges excellence and success in transfer pathway development.
Howard Payne University trustees approved a new four-year Bachelor of Science degree in software engineering program. Classes will be offered beginning in the 2021 fall semester through HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics in a collaboration between the department of computer information systems and the department of engineering. “I am very pleased that this new program is being made available to our students,” said HPU President Cory Hines. “The addition of this major is an important part of our commitment to keep pace with advancements and changes in the professional workforce.”
Jeff Ross becomes senior executive director for Buckner Children and Family Services in Southeast Texas effective April 1. Ross previously was named interim senior executive director on Nov. 1, 2020. With the promotion made official, Ross will continue to oversee Buckner operations serving vulnerable children and families in Houston, Beaumont and the surrounding areas. Ross has served with Buckner since 1995. “Jeff brings passion, experience and expertise to our programs in Southeast Texas,” said Buckner Children and Family Services Vice President Samela Macon. “His leadership has been invaluable during his time as interim senior executive director, and we are proud to have him in the role more permanently.” Ross received his undergraduate degree from the University of Manitoba, and he earned Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from Lamar University. He is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, a licensed child placing agency administrator and a licensed child-care administrator. He and his wife Christina have two children: son Gavin, enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Academy, and daughter Erin, a freshman at McNeese University in Lake Charles, La.
Retirement
Bob Dean from Dallas Baptist Association, where he has served as executive director since 2006, and after 50 years in the ministry. He previously was on staff at Tokio Baptist Church near West and Northway Baptist Church in Dallas, and he was pastor of Northlake Baptist Church in Garland from 1978 to 2006. His retirement from the association is effective May 9. A come-and-go reception is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 29 at the associational office at 8001 East R.L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas. When Dean retires from DBA, he and his wife Ellen, a licensed professional counselor and marriage therapist, will be available to speak at marriage enrichment conferences and retreats. He also will be available for church consultations and interim pastorates.
Robert A. “Bob” Nickell after 13 years as executive pastor of First Baptist Church in El Paso and 54 years of ministry in Texas. He previously was pastor of Lomax Baptist Church in LaPorte, Belmore Baptist Church in San Angelo and South Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
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