Garrison to lead Campbellsville University School of Theology as interim dean
Campbellsville, KY (02/04/2025) — In 2008, Dr. Shane Garrison returned to his alma mater Campbellsville University to serve as a professor in the School of Theology, where he spent so much of his four years as a student at CU while working toward a religious education degree.
Now, 17 years later, Garrison has been tapped to lead the School of Theology as its interim dean.
Garrison takes over for outgoing dean, Dr. John Hurtgen, who will continue as a professor in the School of Theology.
"Since Dr. Garrison's arrival in 2008, he has distinguished himself as an instructor of Educational Ministries, as a minister in the local church and national SBC work and in the administrative life of the university," Hurtgen said.
"Dr. Garrison has served not only as vice president of enrollment but currently serves as Dean of Online Education. He is a gifted minister, leader and administrator, and as an alumnus, he has a deep love for CU. The School of Theology is in very capable hands."
Garrison graduated from Campbellsville University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Religious Education & Exercise Science/Sports Medicine. Garrison will continue in his role as Dean of Online Education.
"I am excited about this new opportunity to serve my beloved alma mater and the School of Theology," Garrison said. "When I joined the CU School of Theology faculty in 2008, I was coming back to my beloved alma mater to serve in my dream job - equipping young men and women for Christian ministry. Each year has been truly blessed by God."
Garrison explained the mission of the CU School of Theology is to equip students to be servants of the church and world.
"The CU School of Theology students are tremendous," Garrison said. "They love God, believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are willing to go to the ends of the Earth in sharing the message of hope and salvation that is found in Christ alone. It is a joy to serve and encourage them in their God-given callings."
The School of Theology's mission to equip students has been an integral part of CU throughout its 119-year history, according to Garrison.
"The legacy of sending out pastors, church ministry leaders, missionaries, non-profit directors, counselors and chaplains is long and vast," Garrison stated. "As a School of Theology alumni myself, I am proud to be in that group.
"As a professor, I am called to keep equipping and sending students for future generations of Christian ministry."
Dr. Jeanette Parker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, "We are thankful for the leadership of Dr. John Hurtgen over the past several years. As he transitions away from administration to focus on teaching and research, we are thankful to have a well-equipped leader ready to step in as Interim Dean.
"Dr. Shane Garrison has demonstrated his strong leadership skills and his commitment to the School of Theology. We are pleased to have him in this role."
Following his graduation from Campbellsville University, Garrison received a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002. He also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which he received in 2003, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which he received in 2009.
Garrison and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 22 years. Jennifer serves as associate professor of educational ministries. They have two sons: Isaac, a freshman at University of Louisville, and Ethan, a junior at Taylor County High School.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
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Dr. Shane Garrison
Campbellsville University
Gerard Flanagan, (270) 789-5324, cgflanagan@campbellsville.eduShare this Story
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