During Southern's convocation service Jan. 27, R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, announced the appointment of Russell D. Moore, 32, as dean of the school of theology. Moore will also serve as senior vice president for academic administration. Recently he served as an assistant professor of theology at Southern and as executive director of the seminary's Carl F.H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement.

Moore was raised in Biloxi, Miss., and received a master of divinity degree from new Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his Ph.D from Southern Seminary. While he was completing his degree at Southern Seminary, he served as research assistant to Mohler

While completing his doctoral degree at Southern Seminary, Moore served as research assistant to Mohler. Moore and wife, Maria, have two sons.

"I am very humbled by this appointment and grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the Kingdom at this place," Moore said.

"There are not many Timothys who get to serve with their Paul for a lifetime. So I am grateful to work alongside a president that has meant so much to me as a friend and mentor. I am also honored to serve and lead this faculty that I think is the greatest faculty in Baptist history."

Not only does Moore bring a strong theological and academic acumen to the office of dean but also clear-sighted leadership, Mohler said.

"In Russ Moore we have a scholar of impeccable credentials, a tremendous mind and wonderful leadership ability," Mohler said. "His classroom teaching is outstanding. His name is already known through his writing and cultural engagement. He will provide superior leadership for the school of theology and for the total academic program for years to come."