WACO, Texas (ABP) — Paul Powell will continue to serve as dean of Truett Theological Seminary past his three-year commitment.
Powell said he intended to retire in the spring, but Baylor University President Robert Sloan asked him to stay. “I have agreed to do so because of the importance of Truett to Baylor's mission and to traditional Baptists everywhere,” Powell said in a statement Dec. 5.
Sloan praised Powell's “great passion and commitment,” adding, “He has been particularly effective at strengthening the seminary's relationship with Texas Baptist churches, resulting in significant increases in enrollment and expanded financial support for Truett.”
“In the last few months,” Powell said, “we've had the greatest financial response of my three-year tenure, and I fully expect that to continue. I want to be a part of something that is great and good, and that's the way I feel about Truett and its future.”
Under Powell's leadership, which began in February 2001, the seminary's enrollment has grown from 247 to 380 students, new degrees and new faculty have been added, and 200 endowed scholarships have been established.
Prior to joining the seminary, Powell served as a member of the Baylor Board of Regents. He retired in 1998 as president of the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Powell also served as pastor of Texas Baptist churches in Belfalls, Troy, Taylor, San Marcos and Tyler, where he served 17 years as pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church.
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