May 31, 2007

BUA Launches Seventh Decade with Maciel
as Seventh President

San Antonio -- It seems almost scripturally ordained to launch the seventh decade of ministry with the seventh president in its history, but that is exactly what Baptist University of the Américas is experiencing when René Maciel assumes leadership of the sixty year old university this fall.

At a recent 60^th Anniversary dinner in San Antonio, alumni gathered to remember how founders of the Mexican Baptist Bible Institute in 1947 were passionate about bringing educational opportunities to the Hispanic community. Through the years that passion has fueled a perseverance that has produced almost 2,000 graduates of the theological university throughout four name changes and two locations, but always with one core commitment to cross-cultural theological education.

Santiago Garcia, Jr., a retired pastor and alumni of the first graduating class, was on hand for the anniversary dinner and said, “I am very proud to be a part of the university’s history, especially as it continues growing and expanding today. It makes my heart beat strong because I am very happy to see the work of the university advance.”

The historic evening culminated with the public announcement of Maciel’s selection to become the institution’s seventh president. Teo Cisneros, chairman of the Presidential Search Committee said of Maciel, “We have had our Moses and now God has given us our Joshua who will lead us across the highway and build our new campus for training the next generation of cross-cultural Christian leaders.” Cisneros was referring both to the recent success experienced by the university under the leadership of former president Albert Reyes, as well as the opportunity Maciel will have to lead the university through its next phase of expansion onto a new 80 acre campus where ground was broken last fall.

By all accounts, Maciel is uniquely suited to lead BUA into the next decade. Born and raised in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Maciel is the son of a lifelong school teacher and coach, Eleazar Maciel, who answered a call to the pastorate late in life. The elder Maciel has served as pastor of Iglesia Bautista Ambler in Abilene, Texas for the past twenty two years and is still going strong at the age of 82 with his wife Elva at his side. “My father is the backbone of my Christian walk,” said René Maciel recently. “When he made a dynamic spiritual change in his life as an adult, he provided me with a testimony that has always inspired my Christian journey.”

Not only did the elder Maciel coach his son’s faith and leadership skills, he also instilled in him a concern for the training and leadership development of Hispanic pastors. “I remember that dad was always so concerned about the fact that many Hispanic pastors needed more educational opportunities,” says Maciel. “Being a graduate of Baylor University himself, dad knew he was very fortunate, and he wanted others to have the same benefits. I’ve never forgotten that.”  

As a gifted athlete, Maciel was recruited by Hardin-Simmons University to play on their basketball and golf teams. He also traveled throughout Central America as a college athlete with Athletes in Action and Campus Crusade using his love for sports in evangelistic outreach. After completing a Bachelor’s of Behavioral Science, he was recruited once again by President Jess Fletcher to stay on at Hardin-Simmons and join the recruitment staff of the university. “I always felt God’s calling in my life,” says Maciel. “I wanted to go to seminary, but God kept giving me opportunities in higher education administration that helped me understand that this is my calling. I find a great deal of purpose and joy in using my gifts to build an institution that brings opportunities for young people to fulfill their potential.”

Eventually, Maciel was called to Baylor University where he worked in recruitment while he also completed a Master of Science in Education in 1991. From 1993-1999, Maciel further developed his administrative and fundraising skills as he served the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home first as assistant and then later as chief administrator.

In 1999, Maciel has called back to Texas to the then fledgling George W. Truett Theological Seminary that had been launched by Baylor University at First Baptist Church in Waco. “I remember well the challenges of planning for the relocation and move from the church onto a new campus, similar to what BUA will face in the years ahead.” For the last eight years Maciel has served Truett Seminary in various roles as an integral part of their successful expansion. “God put me under two incredible men in Paul Powell and David Garland,” recounts Maciel. “I realize now that I stepped into a great place of learning about all facets of educational leadership from these men, learning that I believe will be invaluable as I apply my experiences to the opportunities faced by Baptist University of the Américas.”

With twenty years of higher education experience, a lifelong participation in Hispanic Baptist ministry, and a heart for helping students fulfill their highest potential for service to God, René Maciel seems perfectly prepared for his new role at Baptist University of the Américas.

As Maciel makes plans to move his wife Sabrina and freshman daughter Carmen to San Antonio this summer and officially begin his role in August, he exudes enthusiasm for the next decade of BUA’s ministry. “Sixty years and six presidents have handed us an amazing, enduring legacy to build upon,” says Maciel. “I look forward to many years of building, growing and extending the life and ministry of BUA.”

Though most Baptists would not say the number seven is “lucky,” many BUA supporters might agree this year that there are ample biblical examples of it being the sign of God’s blessing.

President René Maciel will be hosting a 60^th Anniversary Presidential Reception on Monday evening of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas after the evening’s general session on June 25, 2007.

All Convención guests are invited to the convention booth area for
dessert and fellowship.