51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ

PLAINVIEW, TX — 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ Baptist University has named Dr. Michael Dain as interim dean of the School of Christian Studies.

Dain, who has served on the 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ faculty since 2009, brings more than 17 years of experience at the university, including leadership as coordinator for Christian Studies at the Lubbock campus and teaching in both face-to-face and online formats. He succeeds Dr. Timothy Pierce, who recently stepped down to return to the pulpit.

“Dr. Dain has a strong record of teaching, ministry, and leadership, and he understands the mission of Christian higher education,” said Dr. Cindy McClenagan, vice president of academic affairs. “He is well prepared to lead the School of Christian Studies and to help equip students for meaningful service in churches and communities.”

Dain said he is honored to step into the role and looks forward to building on the school’s strong foundation while preparing students for ministry in a changing world.

“We want to honor the rich tradition of Christian studies at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ while also looking ahead,” Dain said. “Our goal is to equip students to follow Christ faithfully in whatever context they are called—whether that is pastoral ministry, bi-vocational service, worship leadership, or other areas of ministry.”

A native of Monahans, Dain earned a Bachelor of Science from Angelo State University. He completed his seminary training at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he later taught as an adjunct, and earned his Ph.D. in church history, with additional academic work in theology and ethics. He previously taught at Dallas Baptist University.

In addition to his academic experience, Dain has served as an interim pastor for several churches, bringing practical ministry insight into the classroom.

At 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ, he has worked with both traditional undergraduate students and adult learners across external campuses and online programs. He emphasized the importance of preparing students to minister in both in-person and digital environments.

“Churches today are engaging people in new ways, including online and through social media,” Dain said. “We want our students to be ready to communicate the gospel effectively, build community, and serve wherever God calls them.”

Dain said strengthening relationships with churches across the region and expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on ministry experience will remain a priority.

“Our mission is simple but significant,” he said. “We want to help students love people, serve faithfully, and proclaim Christ wherever they go.”

Dain and his wife, Robin, have two children.