East Texas Baptist University recently honored the retirement of Gene Wilkes, Adlín Cotto, Scott Floyd, and Shannon Wolf. All four individuals were instrumental in B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary’s growth and development.
Gene Wilkes has served Carroll for 13 years, acting as dean and professor of New Testament. Prior to his role as dean at ETBU, Wilkes served as president and professor of New Testament and leadership at B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary from 2013 to 2024.
Wilkes was instrumental in leading the merger of Carroll into ETBU, a process completed in June 2024. David Ritsema, current Carroll assistant dean, has been named dean effective June 1.
Reflection on ministry
Wilkes reflected fondly on his time at Carroll and explained what initially urged him to join the seminary.
“I was part of the Carroll experience from its earliest years as pastor of a teaching church, resident fellow, and governor before I became president,” Wilkes said.
“I embraced the original vision of returning theological education back to the local church and elevating the role of pastor to that of pastor [and] scholar. When asked by the senior fellows and board to become president, I trusted their confidence in me, and the Lord confirmed my call to that position of service,” he continued.
Wilkes is hopeful for the future of the seminary, believing the foundation of Carroll remains strong.
“I believe the Lord has provided a solid foundation for the future of the seminary at ETBU. I appreciate all the help and guidance from the ETBU faculty and staff to get us to this place in the history of the seminary,” he said.
Cultural impact
ETBU also honored Adlín Cotto, director of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Program, certificates, and Hispanic studies for Carroll. Cotto has been significant in building Carroll’s connections with Spanish-speakers.
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Before working with B.H. Carroll, Cotto served with the Tarrant Baptist Association, helping with Hispanic leadership development and managing a seminary extension program in Spanish. She also served as a special worker with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, providing training in Spanish for youth.
She joined Carroll part-time in 2009 to help supervise the Cuba program started in 2007 as an agreement between the seminary and both Baptist conventions in Cuba to provide a Master of Arts degree. She joined Caroll full time in February 2015.
“It has been a joy to fill that position until today. Carroll’s online model, its emphasis on the pastor [and] scholar, returning theological education to the local church, and global reach were key in my decision to join Carroll,” Cotto said.
“During my time with Carroll, I helped with master’s degree programs in Vietnam, Russia, and China, besides our programs with students from all over the United States,” she continued.
Cotto reflected on receiving a Lilly grant in 2022, allowing the seminary to offer master’s level courses fully online and fully in Spanish.
“The Lord provided everything we needed to provide accessible, affordable, and accredited theological education to Latino pastors and lay leaders whose heart language is Spanish. We developed a program taught by Latino professors with credentials who understood the culture,” Cotto said.
Cotto and her team have worked hard over the last four years to promote the program and provide necessary support for students. In December 2027, four students will complete their Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree with specialization in theology, fully in Spanish, and fully online.
While Carroll will no longer offer the Hispanic Theological Education Program due to low enrollment, Cotto remains hopeful about the future of the seminary and its ability to equip young leaders.
“The future of Carroll is in the hands of those coming behind us. The work has been established,” Cotto said.
“I live in awe at the Lord’s work in and through B.H. Carroll Seminary since its inception. He has been faithful in every step. Our investment in the lives of our faculty and students is an eternal one,” she said.
“We have been faithful to our mission: to equip men and women called to serve Christ in the diverse and global ministries of his church. It has been a wonderful journey,” she added.
Honoring other retirees
Also retiring from B.H. Carroll are Scott Floyd and Shannon Wolf. Floyd serves as director of the Master of Arts in Counseling program and a professor of counseling. He has served the seminary for 15 years. Previously, Floyd was on the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Howard Payne University.
In addition to his administrative and teaching responsibilities, Floyd is a licensed professional counselor-supervisor and licensed marriage and family therapist. His book, Crisis Counseling: A Guide for Pastors and Professionals, has been influential to many.
Wolf serves as a professor of psychology and counseling at the seminary. Before serving as a full-time faculty member at Carroll, Wolf directed the counseling ministry at Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth for 20 years and has published several works.
She and her husband previously served as church planters in Budapest, Hungary, and Banja Luka, Bosnia.
B.H. Carroll founders
B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary was the founded in 2004 by Bruce Corley, Stan Moore, William “Budd” Smith, and Jim Spivey. The vision for the new theological school arose while the four were on faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They were later joined by Larry Ashlock, Karen Bullock, Norma Hedin, Bruce and Nancy Muskrat, and other former Southwestern Seminary faculty and staff.
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