New Dean of School of Christian Studies returns to Plainview

PLAINVIEW — Dr. Timothy Pierce, a 1991Wayland Baptist University graduate, has returned to his alma mater as Dean of the university’s School of Christian Studies.

“Wayland has been a big part of my journey and growth as a minister, professor, and believer. I want to be a part of providing that same kind of impact for students today and in the future. It’s a special place, and I hope to be a tool God uses to help others discover that special status as well,” Dr. Pierce said.

In September, Dr. Cindy McClenagan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, announced Pierce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayland, would return to the university in January. Dr. Pierce comes to Wayland from East Texas Baptist University, where he served as an associate professor of Christian Studies.

“Dr. Pierce’s positive leadership will continue the strong tradition of religious study at Wayland, nurturing the spiritual growth of our students in the process,” Dr. McClenagan said. “His experience in the classroom and behind the pulpit, as well as his dedication to academic excellence and commitment to Wayland’s mission, will be an asset to the institution.”

The new Dean of the School of Christian Studies holds Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. His post-doctoral studies include work done at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in Arlington as well as work in Hebrew translation and prophetic texts with Dr. Gordon McConville at University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, England. Prior to joining ETBU in 2019, Dr. Pierce served as an adjunct professor for Wayland from 2014 to 2018.

Dr. Pierce is the author of Enthroned on Our Praise: An Old Testament Theology of Worship and has written numerous reviews, essays, and articles. He has been a frequent contributor to the Baptist Standard and is a member of Evangelical Theology Society and Institute of Biblical Research. He has served as a co-vocational pastor of Baptist churches throughout his academic career.

Dr. Pierce and his wife, Kristy, have been married for 34 years and have three children.