Logsdon Seminary Receives ATS Accreditation
February 16, 2006
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada has accredited Logsdon Seminary, its two graduate degree programs, and its distance education and extension centers.
Thomas Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary, said he is delighted by the news.
"ATS is the premier accrediting agency for graduate professional theological education," he said. "This accreditation confirms that Logsdon's programs and degrees conform to the high standards mandated by the association.
"We are also pleased that degrees offered at our two extension campuses, located at Wayland Baptist University in Lubbock, and South Texas School of Christian Studies in Corpus Christi, share in that accreditation."
Robert Ellis, associate dean of Logsdon Seminary, believes the accreditation affirms the seminary's approach to theological education and bolsters its reputation.
"With so many options for ministry preparation today, a person finds it difficult to know which one to choose," he said. "You can be confident that a school with ATS accreditation is offering the very best in theological education. By gaining ATS accreditation, Logsdon Seminary has demonstrated that it provides the highest quality of ministry preparation for Baptists, as well as other denominations."
Royce Rose, director of the theological education for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, said accreditation further strengthens Texas Baptists' education opportunities.
"Though all of our liberal arts universities have regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it is critical for a theological school to gain accreditation for graduate programs from the Association of Theological Schools. ATS is the most recognized accrediting association of theological schools. This accreditation gives students the assurance that the curriculum, faculty, and services of the school have measured up to the critical standards of their peers in theological education.
"Texas Baptists can be proud of the administration and faculty of Logsdon for achieving this level of accreditation. Coming to Logsdon in 2003, Tommy Brisco has worked hard through the rigorous process that was begun by his predecessor, Vernon Davis. Texas Baptists now have two theological schools that have achieved this significant recognition: George W. Truett Theological Seminary in 2002 and Logsdon in 2006."
ATS includes 252 graduate institutions in the United States and Canada. ATS is considered the benchmark for accrediting schools offering professional theological education and provides accreditation to a specific North American standard, enhancing the seminary's regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
By David Coffield, Hardin-Simmons University (original source)