Center Welcomes Director

Dr. Matt Thomas joined the Baylor School of Education (SOE) on Aug. 1 as executive director of the SOE's Center for Christian Education. Founded in 1985, the CCE is dedicated to advancing evidence-based approaches to educational improvement and values-driven leadership through a range of programming and resources.

SOE Interim Dean Terrill Saxon, PhD, said the center is undergoing an expansion as the result of a significant gift to the SOE from Lynda, BSEd '79 (MA '85 in education from Texas Wesleyan College), and Robert, BBA '80, MBA '81, Copple of Frisco, and this appointment is an important step in realizing an ambitious agenda for the center's future.

""Matt's background in Christian education and his commitment to the training of strong Christian leaders make him a perfect fit for the expanded role of the SOE's Center for Christian Education," Saxon said. "His expertise will launch a new era for the center and help shape its future."

For more than 20 years, Thomas has served in various roles within Christian schools, seminaries and Christian higher education institutions. His experience includes a stint as head principal of a diverse Christian school in Southern California. He comes to Baylor from a position in California, where he served as executive director of a national radio ministry broadcasting on more than 600 stations. A graduate of Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, he earned an MA in Christian education from Azusa Pacific and an EdD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

""I am both honored and privileged to be a part of the Baylor Family and am excited to see the impact this center will have on the landscape of Christian education in this state and beyond," he said.