Nazarene Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Stephen Porter as its new Dean for Administration. He will succeed Mr. George Townsend who, due to sudden illness, recently announced his intent to leave and fully focus on recovery.
Townsend said, “It has been a joy and an honor of a lifetime to work alongside gifted colleagues in service to the mission of NTS. I am delighted Stephen will have this opportunity to serve as Dean for Administration. He will provide superb leadership as the seminary’s mission grows in influence and effectiveness.”
Dr. Porter’s degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary, where his 2020 doctoral dissertation focused on “Assessing Readiness for Education Technology Integration in Global Nazarene Institutions.” Stephen has served in a technology focused role at NTS since 2010, and as Chief Information Officer since 2022.
NTS President, Dr. Jeren Rowell, said of Dr. Porter’s election, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Porter into this expanded role in service to our mission. Dr. Porter brings an array of experience and skills to this assignment, which includes outstanding service as our Chief Information Officer. The trust and esteem that Stephen enjoys with the NTS community will strengthen our working relationships both internally and with collaborative business partners.” Dr. Rowell further expressed gratitude for George Townsend’s service to NTS: “George is not only highly skilled, but he also brought focused awareness of the seminary’s mission to bear upon the complex issues of administrative oversight. He became a trusted and treasured friend.”
With approval of the Board of General Superintendents and election by the NTS Board of Trustees, Dr. Porter begins this role September 1, 2024. Stephen is most looking forward to an expanded role at NTS where he can leverage his skills in technological integration and people management on a larger scale within the institution.
“It’s an honor to work more closely with President Rowell as Dean for Administration at such an important time,” said Porter. “The ministry of NTS has contributed significantly to the life of the Church of the Nazarene and beyond, and I look forward to continuing and advancing our work preparing pastors and leaders for the church of today and tomorrow.”
Dr. Porter is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and has served in several important roles at NTS: Director of Instruction Technology and Assessment, Director of Information Services, and currently as the Chief Information Officer. Prior to NTS, Stephen served as a Nazarene missionary in Southern Africa and was involved in church development in Luanda, Angola. He also served as Pastor to Families at Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene in Eagleville, PA, overseeing children and youth departments and related staff.
Please join NTS in offering Dr. Porter our congratulations, and our prayers, as he steps into this new and important role.
About Nazarene Theological Seminary
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Nazarene Theological Seminary is a graduate school of theology rooted in the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. www.nts.edu
Note: Questions about this press release may be directed to communications@nts.edu.
