President’s Welcome

On July 17, 2017, the BUA Board of Trustees elected Dr. Abraham Jaquez as the eighth president of Baptist University of the Americas. As he approaches a decade of transformative leadership in 2027, his impact on the university continues to grow.

Before assuming the presidency at BUA, Dr. Jaquez spent seven years as the Executive Director for North Texas with Buckner International. Prior to that, he dedicated 24 years to Baptist Student Ministry leadership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, spanning across various educational institutions.

Also, Dr. Jaquez’s journey to higher education leadership was paved with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing from West Texas A&M University, followed by a Master of Divinity with biblical languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in leadership development, utilizing his business acumen to lead organizations and mentor students. 

As President, Dr. Jaquez achieved significant achievements at BUA including placing the university out of debt, creating a comprehensive master plan for future campus infrastructure, putting into action the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, moving the campus to its 68-acre campus, and developing the university’s first graduate degree program, the Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry. These initiatives have fueled growth and introduced the establishment of a robust institutional effectiveness plan for the university’s future. Dr. Jaquez’s wife, Kelly, who has an earned B.A. Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Supervision, M.Ed. oversees the Agape Ministry at BUA, a ministry that provides essential support to students. They are proud parents to Gabriel and Faith.

Dr. Jaquez welcomes all students with these words:

"Welcome to BUA—a place where students from our community and around the world come together to grow in faith, knowledge, and purpose. Here, you are not just a student; you are part of a family united by a shared calling. We believe that every life has eternal significance, and it is our privilege to walk alongside you, equip you, and cheer you on as you discover who God has created you to be. The world needs what you carry. We are honored to help you bring it forth."

— Dr. Abe Jaquez, President