Southeastern Announces Chuck Quarles as New Ph.D. Director
January 19, 2017
Today Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) named Chuck Quarles as the director of the Ph.D. program.
In 2013 Quarles came to Southeastern as professor of New Testament and biblical theology. He previously served Louisiana College as dean of the Caskey School of Divinity, vice president for the Integration of Faith and Learning and research professor of New Testament and Greek.
Quarles will fill the role currently held by Heath Thomas who will begin serving as dean of the Hershel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University on Dec. 1.
President Danny Akin shared about Quarles’ focus on the Great Commission. “I am delighted that Dr. Quarles has accepted this assignment,” Akin said. “Chuck Quarles is a prime example of a Great Commission professor, and I am confident that his leadership will allow us to continue producing Great Commission scholars and send them around the world. Following the excellent work of Heath Thomas, we will not miss a beat!”
Earlier this week, Quarles received the “Faculty Excellence and Teaching Award,” evidence that he has already made an impact on students and the Southeastern community.
Quarles received his bachelor of arts from the University of Mississippi and earned his master of divinity and Ph.D. from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.
He served as associate professor of New Testament and Greek at the Bucharest Baptist Theological Seminary in Romania with the International Mission Board. While serving in Romania, Quarles, his wife and three children suffered great persecution and had to leave the place they planned to spend the rest of their lives. He also pastored in Mississippi and Tennessee.
Chuck Lawless, vice president for graduate studies and ministry centers, said, “Under the previous leadership of Andreas Kostenberger and Heath Thomas, the Southeastern Seminary Ph.D. program has become one of the best in the country. Chuck Quarles, a highly respected scholar and dedicated churchman, will only strengthen our program.”
“He is a phenomenal scholar who understands the importance of training men and women for the church and the mission field to the highest degree,” Lawless added. “His leadership will quickly build on the foundation of Southeastern’s already strong Ph.D. program.”
Quarles daily seeks to live out his calling to fulfill the Great Commission and encourages others to be faithful to the gospel.
Bruce Ashford, provost of Southeastern, said, “Chuck Quarles is a proven scholar, leader and classroom instructor. We couldn’t possibly be more happy that he has agreed to take the helm of the Ph.D. program at SEBTS.”
Quarles is the author of “Illustrated Life of Paul,” “The Sermon on the Mount” and “Midrash Criticism: Introduction and Appraisal.” He is the co-author of “The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: A Comprehensive New Testament Introduction” and “The Lion and the Lamb: New Testament Essentials.”