Baylor's Truett Seminary Names New Associate Dean

Dr. David Garland, dean of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, has announced the appointment of Dr. Dennis Tucker, associate professor of Christian scripture, as associate dean of the seminary.

Tucker, who joined the Truett faculty in 2002, will start his new duties as associate dean immediately. He succeeds Garland, who became dean June 1 following the retirement of long-time dean Dr. Paul W. Powell.

"Dr. Tucker was elected unanimously and enthusiastically by the faculty," Garland said. "All recognize his outstanding leadership qualities and his exceptional work in preparation for our recent accreditation visit."

"I am truly honored to have been asked to serve the seminary in this capacity," Tucker said. "Truett seminary remains committed to academic excellence and the preparation of a new generation of ministers for the church. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist the seminary in continuing this legacy."

Tucker said he will primarily focus on academic matters, including the continual improvement in faculty development opportunities and assessment of the seminary's educational experience. He also will continue to teach in the classroom.

"The Truett faculty has already established a strong commitment to these goals and I look forward to building on that work," he said.

Prior to Baylor, Tucker served in an administrative role at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. He was an assistant professor of biblical studies and theology at Ouachita, and served as director of external programs. He received his master of divinity and doctor of philosophy degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received a specialist in education degree in educational administration from the University of Louisville.

He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, and the National Association of Professors of Hebrew. He serves as series editor for The Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible published by Baylor University Press, and wrote the first volume in the series on the book of Jonah.
In addition, Tucker has authored or co-authored dozens of publications, including The Story of Israel: A Biblical Theology published by InterVarsity Press and co-edited Introduction to Wisdom Literature and the Psalms, published by Mercer University Press. Other publications include articles in Biblica, Vetus Testamentum, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Horizons in Biblical Theology, and Perspectives in Religious Studies. His current research projects concern the theological interpretation of Scripture.

He also has served churches in Texas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas. At Baylor, he teaches Christian Scriptures 1 and 2, Hebrew and Hebrew Readings.