Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

07/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2026 11:46

Palm Beach Atlantic University Launches Search for a Visionary Leader for its School of Ministry

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West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 15, 2026) - Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is inviting nominations and applications for a visionary, theologically grounded, and mission-centered leader to guide its School of Ministry into its next chapter. The opportunity follows the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Grenz, who served as dean for nine years, to a new role at the University.

"The School of Ministry is central to who we are as a Christ-first university," said PBA President Debra A. Schwinn. "As PBA continues to grow in reach and influence, we are prayerfully seeking a leader who will strengthen the School's academic distinction, deepen its service to the Church, and help prepare the next generation of pastors, scholars, chaplains, missionaries, and marketplace leaders to serve God boldly."

The search comes during a season of considerable growth and momentum for the University. In September 2025, PBA celebrated its fourth consecutive year of record enrollment and ranked third nationally in application growth compared with pre-COVID levels. With more than 4,200 students, more than 100 academic programs, a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, PBA continues to extend its reach as a premier Christian university preparing leaders for the church, the marketplace, health care, and communities around the world.

PBA's History of Ministry Education

Faith and the Christian ministry have always been a part of PBA's academic curriculum since it was founded in 1968.  The School of Ministry was officially established in 1997 as a separate academic school with its own dean. Nearly three decades later, the School is an essential spiritual and academic center for the University and a valued ministry partner for churches in South Florida and beyond.

The School of Ministry has just over 270 students, including 125 undergraduates and 146 pursuing graduate-level studies, and is supported by 16 full-time faculty members and one staff member who holds a faculty rank.

Preparing Students for Faithful Service

PBA's School of Ministry is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools and remains in good standing. It offers academic programs from the baccalaureate through the doctoral level in residential and online formats. Students are prepared to understand Scripture deeply, engage contemporary culture thoughtfully, and serve the church and the world faithfully.

PBA's apologetics program is widely regarded as one of the finest in the country. The School's Accelerated Ministry Program also allows qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity in as little as five years. The School additionally offers dual-degree pathways, including opportunities that connect ministry preparation with business leadership, as well as certificate programs designed to strengthen leaders already serving in churches and other ministry settings.

Seeking a Faithful and Visionary Leader

PBA's Provost Dr. Stephen Johnson says the ideal candidate will be a faithful Christian leader with a deep love for Scripture, the church, and theological education.

"We are seeking an individual who will bring academic credibility, administrative experience, pastoral wisdom, and the ability to cultivate strong relationships across faculty, other departments, our students, churches, donors, alumni, and various ministry partners," said Dr. Johnson. "The successful candidate will also have a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing theological education and the church today."

The new dean will continue to strengthen the School's academic programs, enhance its national reputation, and ensure that its work remains firmly grounded in Scripture and aligned with PBA's mission.

PBA is conducting the search through its Human Resources team in partnership with University leadership and a search advisory committee and is accepting nominations and recommendations for outstanding candidates. For more information about the role, click here. To share a recommendation, please email PBADeanSearch@pba/edu.

About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 76-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA's mission is to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. The University affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system.  Learn more at https://www.pba.edu.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc. published this content on July 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 15, 2026 at 17:46 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]