Green named interim president at BUA

Posted: 12/15/06

Green named interim president at BUA

By Brad Russell

Baptist University of the Americas

SAN ANTONIO—Baptist University of the Americas has named Jack Green—a veteran institutional leader and lifelong South Texan—interim president of San Antonio-based theological university.

Green served as president of South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville from 1973 to 1998. He assumes his duties Jan. 1, concurrent with the departure of President Albert Reyes, who is leaving BUA to become president of Buckner Children and Family Services.

BUA trustee Chair Debbie Ferrier of San Antonio appointed Green to the post.

Green brings to the position an “experienced leadership record and strong relationships among BUA’s diverse constituencies,” she noted. “With his background in the pastorate, Texas Baptist institutional ministry and familiarity with a number of our supporters, Dr. Green will be able to quickly step into the many roles and relationships of an interim presidency with great facility.

“As a lifelong resident of South Texas and a Christian leader serving the needs of South Texas children, Dr. Green is well-acquainted with cross-cultural ministry and the unique mission of BUA arising from a Hispanic context.”

Early in his career, when he was pastor of Shearer Hills Baptist Church in San Antonio, Green served as a trustee for BUA, then known as Mexican Baptist Bible Institute.

“I have marveled in recent years at how BUA has skyrocketed forward to become a tremendously effective school for training cross-cultural ministers and mission-spirited lay people,” Green said.

“I am humbled to serve with the highly capable and creative staff that has been leading their transformation. I ask all Texas Baptists to join us in praying that every resource will be provided so that their momentum can continue and another God-called leader will be found to build the next exciting chapter of BUA’s service to Texas Baptists and the world.”

As interim president, Green arrives at BUA at a critical time. Ground was broken earlier this fall on the new 80-acre Baugh Family Campus. On Nov. 15, trustees approved a $5.4 million construction contract for phase one of the Piper Student Village, slated to open in late fall 2007. The project will enable the school, which has a waiting list for on-campus housing, to triple its student housing capacity.

“I am thrilled with the energy we believe Dr. Green will bring to telling the story of BUA’s personal attention to students that has created a graduation and retention rate that is unrivaled by community colleges and most other higher education options available to our students,” trustee and presidential search committee Chair Teo Cisneros said.

“BUA’s strength, growth and effectiveness is such a great success story,” Green said. “I am looking forward to investing my energies in the students and staff so we can advance the visionary plans on their drawing board.”