Issue: Spring 2018 | Posted: June 1, 2018

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Van Neste appointed dean for the School of Theology and Missions

Union University has named Ray Van Neste, professor of biblical studies, as dean for its School of Theology and Missions.

Van Neste has served on the Union faculty since 2001 and also is director of the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies. He begins his new role June 1.

“God has blessed us with the right person in our very midst, someone who can step up to assume the responsibilities of this office, and someone whom the faculty respects as a leader,” Union Provost John Netland said. “We can’t see the future, but we trust that God will continue to bless the School of Theology and Missions, and we have confidence that Ray will be the kind of leader who does not lean on his own understanding but will, in all of his ways, trust in the Lord and follow his guidance.”

A native of Millington, Tennessee, Van Neste graduated from Union in 1992 with a major in religion/Greek. He finished his Master of Arts degree in New Testament from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

Van Neste is a prolific writer who has written dozens of articles, chapters and books. He wrote the commentaries on 1-2 Timothy and Titus for the Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary series, co-edited Reformation 500: How the Greatest Revival Since Pentecost Continues to Shape the World Today and contributed study notes on the pastoral epistles for the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible, among numerous other projects.

He has also served as a pastor and is a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

“Ray Van Neste is an incredible teacher whose love for Christ and God’s Word is clear in all he does,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “He is an accomplished scholar and an effective administrator. Having earned his undergraduate degree at Union, Ray’s commitment to Union’s Christ-centered mission is rock solid.

“His desire to serve the church and equip leaders for service in local congregations is evident,” Oliver continued. “And, his personal warmth and winsome humor make him a joy to be around. We are thrilled that Ray is stepping in to this important role at Union.”

Van Neste and his wife Tammie have six children.