Auburn native elected to NOBTS post

Auburn native Jeffrey B. Riley was recently elected ethics professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS).

Currently an adjunct faculty member at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth Texas, and pastor of First Baptist Church, Calvert, Texas, Riley will take the position, effective Jan. 1.

“The addition of Jeff Riley to the division of theological and historical studies strengthens what is already a strong team of faculty in that area,” said Perry Hancock, dean of graduate studies at NOBTS.

Riley earned two degrees from Southwestern Seminary and also did post-graduate course work toward the master of theology degree with a major in theology and Christian ethics in 1994.

While at Southwestern, he was  presented with two awards, the W.T. Conner Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in the Department of Theology; and the Albert Venting Jr. Award, presented to the member of the graduating class of the School of Theology selected by the faculty as being most qualified to deliver the class address.

Riley also did graduate work toward a master of business administration degree (1984) and earned the bachelor of science degree (1983) from Auburn University, where he was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honorary society, and Beta Gamma Sigma, a national business and management honorary society.

Calling education a “lifetime adventure,” Riley said, “My passion is to participate with God in preparing a faithful people for life in the kingdom of God and for the glory of Christ Jesus.”

“Jeff Riley brings a unique blend of biblical, theological and pastoral perspectives to the talk of teaching the next generation of Southern Baptist ministries how to teach and model godly living,” said Steve Lemke, seminary provost.

Riley was ordained and licensed for ministry at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, where he served as a pastoral intern. In 1968, he was baptized in the same church. He and his wife, Laura Anderson Riley, who has eight years of teaching experience, have two children, William and Rhett.

(BP)