James H. Scroggins IV

Along with Russell Moore, R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, announced appointment of James H. Scroggins IV, 32, as dean of Boyce College, the seminary’s undergraduate school, during Southern's convocation service Jan. 27. Scroggins currently serves as an assistant professor of youth ministry at Boyce College and as minister to students at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville.

Scroggins succeeds Jerry Johnson who late last year was elected president of Criswell College in Dallas. Scroggins, a native of Panama City, Fla., began as a student at the seminary in 1993 and received both his master of divinity and Ph.D. from Southern Seminary. He and wife, Kristin, have five sons.

"I am very excited to have come to this school as a student 10 years ago and for having been here through all the changes and all the different things that have happened here under Dr. Mohler's leadership," Scroggins said. "Now to get to join his administrative team is a real honor and privilege not only personally, but [also] as a strategic opportunity. I think Boyce College has the potential to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, training grounds for ministers to go to the churches of the world. That will continue to be the focus of Boyce College and I look forward to being a part of that."

Mohler complemented Scroggins' ability to mentor and lead young people."Jimmy Scroggins is a natural leader of young people," Mohler said. "He combines a passion for working with students with solid academic credentials. In him you have the intersection of evangelism and training and theological education and the mentoring of young people. I am excited to see what he is going to do as the new dean of Boyce College.”