Leadership
Leadership
University President
James R. Lytle, D.Min.
Dr. James R. Lytle, veteran educator and missionary, seasoned leader and experienced vice president and provost, has served since January 1, 2015 as Clarks Summit University’s 10th president.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Clarks Summit University and both Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Baptist Bible Seminary, Lytle earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has served in biblical higher education for more than 30 years.
After serving as an assistant and associate professor for 13 years, Lytle was called to South Africa, where he and his wife, Diane, served as missionary church planters. While there, he helped establish Bethany Baptist Church, beginning with a home Bible study and transitioning to national leadership.
He served as president of Baptist Bible College of KwaZulu-Natal from 1995 to 2006. He led the school to achieve degree-granting status, developed the school’s library and taught courses in Bible, theology and pastoral ministry.
Upon returning to Clarks Summit University in 2007, Lytle began serving as vice president for college and graduate academics and professor of Bible and theology. He was appointed as provost in 2008. In this role, he developed and implemented a six-year strategic plan and was instrumental in preparing the school for university status through interactions with legislators and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He also led in the development of several new majors and degrees and the reorganization of the Office for Student Development.
His passion for higher education is evident in the love and faithful service he has demonstrated in South Africa and at Clarks Summit University.
He has published several study guides and articles on studying the Bible and Christian living. He co-authored Effective Bible Study and The Christian Life with his wife Diane for Regular Baptist Press adult Sunday school curriculum.
“When I came to Clarks Summit University as a student in 1973, I never imagined that I would be taking on this role. My plan was to take one year of Bible courses and go on with my life, but Clarks Summit University really got into my blood,” says Dr. Lytle. “This world needs a lot more graduates like ours in a variety of ministries and careers who understand God’s Word, care about people and are prepared for lives of significant service for Jesus Christ. These are exciting days to lead a school like Clarks Summit University.”
Board of Trustees
The university’s governing board is made up of appointed ministry leaders and professionals in various fields.
Cabinet
The university’s executive team includes the president, vice president and executive directors over all departments of the university.
Seminary Administration
BBS’s Administration Team works together to keep the seminary functioning smoothly as students gain in their knowledge of the Scripture.
Wayne Slusser, Ph.D.
- Seminary Dean
- Professor of New Testament and Greek
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Baptist Bible Graduate School of Theology and BBS, Slusser taught and served as dean of the seminary at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missiouri. He also helped plant a church where he served as co-pastor for 13 years.
Slusser produces a weekly video series, “Greek for a Week,” to help others learn, retain or grow their knowledge of New Testament Greek through short videos focused on translation and interpretation. The resource is found alongside other study tools on NTresources.com.
Mark McGinniss, Ph.D.
- Assistant Seminary Dean
- Professor of Old Testament Literature, Language and Exegesis
- Editor of The Journal of Ministry and Theology
McGinniss studied at Stockton State College, Dallas Theological Seminary and BBS. He spent 27 years in full-time ministry in the same church in which he accepted Christ. He has experience as a youth pastor, senior pastor and Christian school principal. In addition to journal articles, McGinniss authored “Contributions of Selected Rhetorical Devices to a Biblical Theology of the Song of Songs.
David Gunn, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor of Theology, English Bible and Apologetics
Gunn brings extensive experience in local church ministry, editing and publishing, and research to BBS. He has earned degrees from Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, Corban University School of Ministry, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Baptist Bible Seminary.
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