Baylor University’s Truett Seminary Announces the Appointment of Toby Osburn, EdD, as Assistant Dean of Student Services
WACO, Texas (July 11, 2023) – Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today that Toby Osburn, EdD, has been appointed to serve as assistant dean of student services. Drawing upon over 30 years of experience in higher education, Osburn will guide and supervise Truett Seminary’s efforts in recruitment, admissions, scholarships, retention, student activities and conduct, and placement.
“We are very fortunate to be able to welcome Dr. Toby Osburn to Truett Seminary at the end of this month,” said Jo Ann Sharkey Reinowski, director of Academic Services and member of the search committee. “Dr. Osburn brings a wealth of expertise from his leadership in university life, and I personally am looking forward to learning from him! Our students and seminary community will greatly benefit from his experience in higher education student administration. Beyond his executive leadership, his commitment to Christian formation in student life will be a blessing to Truett Seminary.”
Osburn currently serves as associate vice president for enrollment management at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA, where he has also served as dean of students and associate vice president for university services. Additionally, as a regular member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges initial accreditation and reaffirmation teams, he has developed an extensive knowledge of educational standards. He also has significant experience with compliance. Moreover, Osburn has led in the non-profit sector as executive director of Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and Direct Care, Inc.
Regarding his appointment, Osburn said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to join Truett Seminary and the entire Baylor community in service to the Church and Texas. Theological education, like all of higher education, faces significant challenges, but generous donors, visionary leaders, and exceptional faculty have positioned Truett for spiritual and numerical growth. For these reasons, and many more, I am grateful to come alongside Dr. Still and his team in this important work.”
An experienced and student-centered administrator, Osburn holds a BS in Bible and Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University, a MEd in College and University Counseling, and an EdD in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. Furthermore, he has maintained his license as a professional counselor for almost 20 years.
“Both opportunities and challenges presently abound in higher education in general and in theological education in particular. A skilled, seasoned, and energetic leader in student services is essential for a school like ours to flourish,” said Dean Todd D. Still, PhD, who chaired the search process. Dr. Rusty Freeman, Dr. Matthew Kim, and Mr. Evan Taddia joined Ms. Sharkey Reinowski on the Search Committee, who was unanimous in recommending Dr. Osburn for the position.
Reflecting further on the selection of Dr. Osburn, Dean Still commented, “After a thorough and careful national search, Baylor’s Truett Seminary has found in Toby Osburn a senior administrative leader who will add appreciably to our ongoing work and witness as an executive staff member. Under his thoughtful, watchful care, I am confident that the Truett student experience—from recruitment to enrollment to engagement to commencement to placement—will be second to none. I am grateful that Dr. Osburn has answered the call ‘to come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Our community will be immeasurably enriched and strengthened by his considerable experience and Christlike presence.”
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITYBaylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition that equips God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. in Preaching. Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. In addition to the flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has additional instructional sites in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.