Dr. Don Williford Named Dean of HSU's Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary

ABILENE, TX (05/18/2011)(readMedia)-- Dr. Don Williford professor of New Testament at Hardin-Simmons University will become dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary on June 1, 2011.

Williford has served as interim dean for Logsdon since Dr. Tommy Brisco, Williford's predecessor, took over the position as HSU provost and chief academic officer. Williford began his service at Hardin-Simmons University as director of church relations and assistant professor of New Testament in 1992.

Since then, he has moved through the faculty ranks, being promoted to professor in 1999. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has served as president of the HSU faculty, accreditation liaison, associate vice president of academic affairs, associate provost, and interim vice president for academic affairs.

President of HSU, Dr. Lanny Hall, made the announcement of Williford's promotion during graduation ceremonies this past weekend. "Williford is a seasoned administrator, a valued faculty member, and a veteran minister who is widely respected by faculty, staff, and students," Hall told the audience gathered at commencement exercises.

"Before joining HSU, Williford served in full-time vocational ministry for more than 20 years, including service as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and pastor. He is a gifted professor and preacher, whose breadth of experience will serve Logsdon well," said Hall.

HSU provost, Dr. Tommy Brisco, says, "Dr. Don Williford's 20 years of experience as a pastor, combined with 19 years as a gifted teacher and administrator, provides an excellent balance of academic and ministry experience that will serve Logsdon well as he assumes this new position."

Among other subjects, Williford specializes in the Letters of Paul. While Williford is a professor of New Testament, he also has a background in archaeology and was involved in archaeological excavations at Banias, Israel, for a number of years. He has taught archaeology of New Testament cities where Paul established churches on his missionary trips.

Williford received his Bachelor of Science degree from Howard Payne University in 1970. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, in 1974 and 1981 respectively.

Williford was born in Bangs, Texas, and started his teaching career at Carter Junior High in Arlington. During his pastorates, he served in churches all across Texas, including Birdville Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, First Baptist Church in Eldorado, and First Baptist Church in Brownwood where he spent 10 years.

His involvement with the State Missions Commission established him as a leader in the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He has served as board member of the Texas Baptist Prisoner Family Ministry Foundation and as a member of the Hispanic Relations Task Force.

His wife, Dr. Pam Williford, joined the HSU faculty in 1993 and serves as the dean of the Irvin School of Education. They have one daughter, Dr. Natalie Frost, a pediatrician in Irving. She is married to artist John Frost, who teaches at St Marks Academy in Dallas. Natalie and John are both HSU alumni.

In addition to his service as dean, he will continue to serve as HSU's accreditation liaison through the 2012-2013 academic year. "HSU and Logsdon will benefit from his leadership in this key administrative role," says Hall. "I know him as a fine professor, preacher, pastor, and administrator. We are fortunate that he is willing to assume this important post," says Hall.

"I am humble and grateful at the appointment as dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary," says Williford. "This is both an exciting and challenging time in the advance of God's Kingdom. I believe unique doors of opportunity are open for Hardin-Simmons and Logsdon School of Theology to carry out its part in preparing men and women for the global challenges facing those called to the Kingdom enterprise."