It is with great pleasure that I announce the initial process of a merger of Northwest Baptist Seminary of Tacoma and Corban University of Salem, Ore. On May 11, the NBS Board of Trustees moved to proceed with plans for the merger, and the Corban board voted to approve it. In a consensus of the two boards, it was decided to appoint me as NBS president, and Dr. Matt Lucas, Corban University provost, has been appointed as NBS provost. These administrative positions started May 12, 2010.
Over the next few weeks we will be working to do the necessary restructuring in order to make a strong graduate school of ministry at the University. The Tacoma campus will be reviewed to determine the best solution for the work, and what impact it will have for the school of ministries on the Corban campus.
It is our intention to work toward continuing some kind of presence in the Puget Sound area. The inclusion of some of our other graduate programs will complement the course offerings for the school of ministries. We will be working diligently to make the details of the merger complete as soon as possible, so please pray that God’s blessing is evident, and that the transition will proceed smoothly.
Dr. Leroy Goertzen has been appointed the point person in charge of the seminary when I am not on campus. He will also continue with his current duties as professor and dean of students. He will report directly to me on administrative matters, Corban's VP for Student Life Nancy Hedberg for student matters and Dean of Ministries Greg Trul concerning academic matters.
Please see the link on this page for updates. We will keep you informed of developments as they occur.