Logsdon Deans Share Memories and Hopes

The three living deans of Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary shared their memories of the Seminary program’s 20-year journey at a celebratory dinner culminating the two-day event Celebrating Logsdon: 20 Years of Seminary Programs.

The three living deans of Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary shared their memories of the Seminary program’s 20-year journey at a celebratory dinner culminating the two-day event Celebrating Logsdon: 20 Years of Seminary Programs.

Dr. Donald Williford (current dean), Dr. Thomas Brisco (immediate past dean), and Dr. Vernon Davis (past dean) shared stories about the beginnings of the vision that would ultimately become Logsdon Seminary – from the start of classes leading to the Master of Divinity degree to accreditation, and on to the current role of Logsdon Seminary as a leader in theological education which prepares students for ministry at six locations across Texas.

Davis, who served as the Dean of Logsdon from 1998 until 2003, praised the vision started by Logsdon’s first Dean, Dr. H.K. Neely, who passed away in 2013. “Dr. Neely’s role was so important in generating what we see today. I am sorry he is not able to be with us to celebrate this milestone, but I believe he is pleased with where we are today,” said Davis. Davis likened the journey of starting seminary programs, gathering resources for a theological library, and opening a center in Corpus Christi a “relay race”. “None of us knew what was before us down the road, but we had this sense that God wanted to do something significant in this place,” said Davis. “I am most pleased … with the legacy of this place, and the legacy of this faculty. I am most grateful for what was begun, what has been accomplished, and for those who carried – and are carrying – it out. Logsdon is in very good hands.”

Brisco, who currently serves as HSU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, also served as Logsdon’s dean from 2003 until 2011. Brisco shared memories of his leadership at Logsdon, during which the school earned accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). “Achieving accreditation was definitely a milestone, and we achieved it together,” said Brisco. “I have always been grateful for my years as dean at Logsdon; it’s been a joy to be a part of it.”

In addition to accreditation, Brisco led the opening of Logsdon campuses in Lubbock and San Antonio. As Logsdon’s current dean, Williford, recalled the blessing of being able to follow in the footsteps of previous deans. “One of my greatest blessings has been to stand on the shoulders of three predecessors who’ve done such a fine job,” said Williford. “H.K. Neely was a master administrator, Vernon Davis is a master preacher, and Tommy Brisco was the man with all the answers for ATS accreditation.” During Williford’s tenure, Logsdon has opened extension campuses in Dallas-Fort Worth and McAllen and launched the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at the San Antonio campus.

“God has his hand on Logsdon Seminary, and I believe He is empowering us for future work,” said Williford. “The future calls for a lofty vision from current faculty and leadership, and if we listen to the Spirit and keep our eyes on the Son of Man, the impact of this institution – still yet so young – is more than any of us in this room can dare imagine. It will be His empowering, our faithfulness, and our daring to step out that will make the difference. As much as we love this seminary, God loves it more.”