School of Theology and Missions

Dean

Ray F. Van Neste (1997-98, 2001). Vice President for University Ministries, Dean for the School of Theology and Missions, and Professor of Biblical Studies. B.A., Union University; M.A., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen.

Justin Wainscott (2023). Associate Dean for the School of Theology and Missions and University Ministries, Assistant Professor of Ministry. B.A., Union University; M.Div., Beeson Divinity School; D.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Staff

Karen Jones (2022). Administrative Assistant to the Dean. A.B., Jackson State Community College. 

J. Michael Garrett (2011). Director for the Ryan Center for Biblical Studies. B.A., Union University; M.Div., Beeson Divinity School; M.L.I.S., University of Alabama. 

Mission Statement

The School of Theology and Missions exists to advance the Kingdom of God through theological education by integrating rigorous academics, skill in teaching, deep devotion to Christ and His Church, and a commitment to reaching the nations with the gospel.

Vision Statement

The School of Theology and Missions helps students know, love, and serve God—informing minds, enflaming hearts, and equipping hands.

Program Director

Mark Catlin (2019). Director of the Master of Christian Studies and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. B.A., Samford University; M.A. and M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Faculty

Matthew Albanese (2021). Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. B.A., Case Western Reserve University; M.Div. and Th.M., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Phil., University of Oxford.

Frank Anderson (2010). Stephen Olford Chair of Expository Preaching, Associate Professor of Ministry and Missions and Director of the Center for Racial Reconciliation. B.B.A., University of Memphis; M.Div. and Ph.D., Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

Mark Dubis (2002). University Professor of Biblical Studies. B.S., Clemson University; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Th.M., Calvin Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary-Virginia.

Bradley Green (1998). Professor of Theological Studies. B.A., Northeast Louisiana University; M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Th.M., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Baylor University.

Gregory Poore (2021). Associate Professor of Philosophy and Ethics. B.A., Union University; M.A. and Ph.D., Baylor University.

Jacob Shatzer (2017).  Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Theological Studies. B.A., Union University; M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Marquette University.

Curriculum

Students who major in the School of Theology and Missions may be eligible for advanced standing in certain seminaries, thus shortening the requirements for master's degrees at those seminaries. Please see the dean for details.

All majors must complete two semesters of the same language. 

Students whose second major is in the School of Theology and Missions and whose first major is not in the School of Theology and Missions may petition the associate dean of the School of Theology and Missions for exception to this requirement. Study of biblical languages is strongly encouraged for all majors.

Where "Biblical Languages" is mentioned as a requirement or an elective, it refers to Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic. 

Assessment of Majors

Students with a major in the School of Theology and Missions (except Philosophy) are required to take CHR 498, Senior Seminar, as part of their graduation requirement. The seminar must be taken during the student's senior year.

Student Organizations

The J. H. Eaton Society, named after a 19th-century Union president, seeks to facilitate fellowship and ministry opportunities in the School of Theology and Missions. All students majoring or minoring in the School of Theology and Missions are welcome to participate.

Student Awards

The Broadman and Holman Award is given annually to a graduating senior who is deemed to have the greatest potential for significant contribution to the field of ministry.

The School also presents the following awards: Zondervan Greek Award, H. E. Dana Intermediate Greek Award, Curtis Vaughan Elementary Greek Award, R. G. Lee Christian Ministry Award, George Savage Hebrew and Old Testament Award, Dallas Willard Philosophy Award, and Carl F. H. Henry Theological Studies Award.