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Seminary Makes Historic Appointment for Dean
October 30, 2008
The Rev. Dr. Virginia Barfield has been appointed to serve as the next Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary by its Board of Trustees. Barfield's appointment is historic, as she becomes the first female and the first non-Lutheran to serve as dean at the seminary. She is an ordained minister and member of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Her term as Dean will begin with the 2009-2010 academic year.
Barfield currently serves as the Associate Dean and Associate Professor of New Testament and Baptist Studies. She will succeed Dr. Michael Root who will step down as Dean at the end of the academic year after serving since 2003. Root will continue to serve on the seminary's faculty as Professor of Systematic Theology.
The unanimous appointment of Barfield by the Board of Trustees came with full recommendation by the academic affairs committee and executive committee, as well as the seminary administration, faculty, and students.
In their nomination to the board, the faculty stated, "The nomination of Dr. Barfield is a sign of our theological commitments. Lutheranism is not a sect, but one realization of the holy catholic church. Dr. Barfield shares with us the Christological and Trinitarian commitments embodied in the creeds of the church and a belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God. She brings the experience and gifts that our faculty needs at this moment in its history."
"Not only is she a leader for this institution, but she serves as a role model for our student body, particularly our female students," said the Rev. Dr. Marcus Miller, President of the seminary. "Her enthusiasm and commitment to theological education is exemplary and our institution is proud to have her serve in this leadership position."
"It will be an honor to serve this institution as Dean. To have the support of the entire seminary community in this call is encouraging and affirming," said Barfield. "Theological education is pivotal to the growth of Christ's church and I hope that my time as Dean will serve to strengthen God's call to our students and the various ministries that they will serve in the future."
A native of Kershaw, SC, Barfield has served on the staff and faculty at Southern Seminary since 2003. She previously served Kathwood Baptist Church in Columbia, SC and St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. She holds a Ph.D. from Duke University.
Read the article ran in The State newspaper (Columbia) 11/22/08
