Jul 12, 2014 03:43 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Dr. Barry K. Creamer has been named as Criswell College's seventh president, effective August 1. Creamer served as the school's Vice President of Academic Affairs since 2011, as Professor of Humanities since 2004 and Chief Operating Officer among others.

"He has poured his life into this school for ten years and has proven his ability as a scholar, administrator and effective leader. He has a brilliant mind with a compassionate heart. He values people and will lead by his example and with wisdom and grace," James T. Draper, Interim President of Criswell College, said in a statement.

Creamer holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2000, a Master of Divinity (graduating summa cum laude) from Criswell College in 1994, and a Bachelor of Arts in English (graduating cum laude) from Baylor University in 1985.

"I am honored to build on an already storied and influential foundation to lead the school through what I believe are its most promising days," Creamer said.

Besides academic duties, Creamer also worked at churches in a variety of roles since 1982 including a tenure with the Woodland West Baptist Church from 1987-2004. He addresses cultural and theological issues on the radio program "For Christ and Culture," on KCBI-FM in Dallas-Fort Worth. He also discusses these issues during community events, conferences and public debates.

Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), said that Creamer is an intellectual, respected and beloved individual in the academic community.

Dr. David Dockery, President of Trinity International University, said that Creamer is a solid academic leader, an experienced educator, and a person who understands the current cultural challenges.

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