First Posted: 11/4/2014
The Baptist Bible College and Seminary (BBC&S) Board of Trustees announced Dr. James R. Lytle, veteran educator and missionary, seasoned leader and experienced Vice President and Provost, was named the new president of BBC&S, effective Jan. 1, 2015.
Lytle will be the institution’s 10th president.
A graduate of BBC (B.S.) and BBS (M.Div. and Th.M.), Lytle earned his D.Min. degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. He served in biblical higher education for more than 30 years.
After serving as an Assistant and Associate Professor for 13 years at BBC, Lytle went to South Africa where he and his wife, Diane, served as missionary church planters. While there, he led in establishing Bethany Baptist Church, beginning with a home Bible study and transitioning to national leadership.
He was also involved in Baptist Bible College of KwaZulu-Natal where he served as president from 1995–2006. He led the school to achieve degree-granting status, developed the school’s library and taught courses in Bible, Theology and Pastoral Ministry.
Upon returning to BBC in 2007, Lytle began serving as Vice President for College and Graduate Academics and Professor of Bible and Theology. He was appointed Provost in 2008. In that role. he developed and implemented a six-year strategic plan and was instrumental in preparing the institution for university status through interactions with legislators and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He also led in the development of several new majors and degrees and the reorganization of the Office for Student Development.
He served as executive vice president throughout the national presidential search that began in May 2014. During that time, he continued to fulfill responsibilities as academic vice president and provost.
Lytle published several study guides and articles on studying the Bible and Christian living. He co-authored “Effective Bible Study” and “The Christian Life” with his wife for Regular Baptist Press Adult Sunday School curriculum.
The trustees’ unanimous approval of Lytle followed a recommendation by the Presidential Search Committee on Oct. 31. Lytle takes over for outgoing president Jim Jeffery, who announced his resignation from BBC&S in May to pursue a return to pastoral ministry. Jeffery will continue to serve the school in the role of chancellor when Lytle assumes the president’s role in January 2015.
Details regarding Lytle’s installation will be announced at a later time.