New Interim Provost at East Texas Baptist University

MARSHALL — The new Interm Provost at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall is Dr. Lawrence E Ressler. The appointment was announced by university president Dr. Dub Oliver. “I am very pleased to have Dr. Ressler join the ETBU community during this interim period. He has a wealth of experience and his background in academics will provide the leadership we need for our academic programs,” said Dr. Oliver. Dr. Ressler will serve as interim provost from July 29, 2013 through April 2014. He comes to ETBU from Taylor University and will serve as interim provost due to the departure of former provost Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, who recently accepted the position of President at Huntington University in Indiana. “The decision to hire an interim will allow ETBU time to conduct a national search to fill this important position,” Oliver commented.

Dr. Ressler has many years of experience in higher education at various CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges & Universities) member schools. From 2005-2010, he served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tabor College (Kansas). Dr. Ressler served in several different positions during his tenure (1995-2002) at Roberts Wesleyan College including Professor of Social Work, Interim Academic Dean, and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment. At Taylor University (2010-present), he served as Professor of Social Work.

Dr. Ressler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University. His Master of Social Work degree was completed at Temple University and his Ph.D. was earned at Case Western Reserve University. He has presented at numerous higher education conferences and workshops and is an author of many books and journal articles which focus on the integration of faith and learning in social work. Also during his academic career he has been a consultant for higher education institutions providing leadership in academic development and curriculum reviews.