By: Brooke Zimny- Ouachita News
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Dr. Jeremy Greer is the new dean of Ouachita Baptist University’s Pruet School of Christian Studies. Greer, a Ouachita graduate and second generation pastor, has long ties to the university as well as Arkansas Baptists in addition to higher education experience through teaching and administrative roles.
“My overarching feeling is gratitude,” Greer said. “I am grateful to once again be an Arkansas Baptist. I am grateful to serve an institution for which I have such deep affections and appreciation. I am grateful to serve alongside faithful men and women whom God has used to transform me and countless others.
“As we look into the future,” he added, “we can know that God will continue to work and will continue to call young men and women into service. I trust that he will continue to use the Pruet School to train these called ones and send them out. This is our task, and we will be faithful to it.”
Ouachita’s Pruet School seeks to combine exceptional scholarship and effective teaching with a vital focus on preparing graduates for practical ministry. A national search began in November 2020 for the key role of dean following the retirement announcement of Dr. Danny Hays, who has served as dean since 2007.
“Dr. Greer shares essential convictions about scripture, the local church and missions that define and unite Arkansas Baptists and Ouachita Baptist University in our 135-year relationship,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “My commitment to the inerrancy of scripture and working within the framework of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 will continue to guide our partnership with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
“Dr. Greer is committed to seeing more men and women called and prepared for vocational ministry,” Sells added. “Also, because the Pruet School teaches Bible courses required for all Ouachita undergraduates, he’s dedicated to equipping our students for a Christian witness in a variety of careers.”
The Pruet School, over its 22-year history as one of Ouachita’s academic schools, has achieved significant growth, developed innovative programs and benefited from a major renovation and expansion of its academic facilities. The faculty excel as effective classroom teachers, passionate ministers and respected academicians. Their nearly 50 published books are used by thousands of college students, ministers and lay people across the nation and internationally.
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Dr. Greer as the next Dean of the Pruet School,” said Dr. Terry Carter, associate dean of the Pruet School. Carter has served at Ouachita for 30 years. “As a student, Jeremy was outstanding, and he has grown to become a very gifted scholar, teacher and leader. In addition, he is a committed believer who will model Pruet’s vision of preparing the next generation of Christian ministers and missionaries for the church.”
Greer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies from Ouachita in 1998, followed by a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002 and Ph.D. from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in 2014. He has served in various teaching, committee and course development roles at Ouachita, B.H. Carroll and East Texas Baptist University since 2007. He most recently served at ETBU as associate professor of Christian ministry, director of ministry guidance and director of church relations. Greer also has served in ministry roles at several churches in Arkansas and Texas.
“Dr. Greer’s varied experiences have prepared him well for the multi-faceted dean’s role,” said Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs. “His academic work as a New Testament scholar and outstanding teaching skills and administrative experience in higher education have prepared him to lead the Pruet School in a new era, while his ministry experience has given him a deep understanding of the local church’s needs and opportunities.”
Dr. Greer’s tenure as dean will begin in July 2021. His wife, Merrilee Shoemaker Greer, also a Ouachita alum, will serve in Ouachita’s Office of Campus Ministries. They return to Arkadelphia with their four children, Raegan, Graham, Sydney and Cole.
“To borrow from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians,” Dr. Greer said, “God has provided blessing to me and my family ‘immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.’ Thanks be to God who has once again lived up to his word!”
Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., is in its 135th year as a Christ-centered learning community and is ranked the No. 2 “Regional College in the South” by U.S. News & World Report. In fall 2020, Ouachita recorded its highest enrollment in 25 years and its highest-ever four year graduation rate with the class of 2020. To learn more about Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies, visit obu.edu/christianstudies.