Please join me in congratulating Dr. Allen Black as he prepares to retire in June after his service at HST for almost 40 years. Since 1983, Dr. Black, serving as professor of New Testament at HST, taught several generations of ministers. These students were able to take advantage of Allen’s academic training and wealth of knowledge. At the same time, Allen was a minister, having served on the ministry staff of the Highland Church of Christ since 1987. Consequently, his students knew that after they graduated and began serving churches, Allen would remain a friend and advisor. Many, many ministers and church leaders from across the country have sought Allen’s counsel regarding the meaning and application of Scripture.

Dr. Allen Black began serving as dean of HST in 2015. During this time, he helped to establish early on an opportunity for students across the world to study at HST through live synchronous video. Students enrolled at HST and completed their degree who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to do so. Today, almost every class at HST is available through live synchronous video.

Staff and faculty at HST have appreciated Dr. Black’s warm, engaging, caring spirit. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Black for his service to the school and to so many students and are grateful that he will still be teaching classes for us at HST.

At the same time, we are excited to announce that Dr. Mark E. Powell will serve as the next dean of HST. On July 1, 2021, Dr. Powell will become the school’s eighth dean in its 63-year history. Dr. Powell began serving at HST in 2002. He currently serves as professor of theology at HST. He is the author of three books as well as a number of academic articles, book chapters and book reviews.

Dr. Powell has a deep commitment to the church, to ministers, and to the students at HST. Dr. Powell also brings a gracious, warm manner to both conversations and the classroom. We look forward to Dr. Powell’s leadership as we anticipate the future.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Black for his many years of service and congratulating Dr. Powell on his new role.

Jim Martin
Vice President
Harding School of Theology

Harding School of Theology (HST), a seminary in Memphis, TN, has been equipping ministers since 1958. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and offering degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, HST equips Christian leaders for higher standards of ministry and scholarship and challenges them to a deeper faith in God. Combining academic rigor and interpersonal connections, HST emphasizes student engagement in ministry as they study. HST is associated with Churches of Christ, is part of the Stone-Campbell Movement, and is part of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.