Board of College Advisors
Dr. David L. Allen
Dean of the School of Theology
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Fort Worth, TX
Dr. Allen brings an exciting blend of academic excellence, educational leadership, and practical ministry experience to the Board of College Advisors. His academic achievements have been clearly demonstrated through his own educational pursuits with a B.A., M.Div, and PhD. In addition, Dr. Allen's academic achievement can be observed by his many years in the classroom and through his extensive production of scholarly publications including numerous articles and several monographs. Dr. Allen has proven to be an experienced educational leader through his years on the Board of Trustees at SWBTS, and a term as Chairman of the Board. Today, he continues providing leadership by serving as the Dean of the School of Theology. Dr. Allen's academic achievements have not kept him from practical application. Rather, he has always remained close to the local church serving as a pastor, Bible teacher, personal soul-winner, and mission trip leader. David and his wife, Sherri, have four children: Jeremy, Jared, Melody and Kali.
Mr. Jerry Cross
President
One Credit Union; Springfield, VT
Mr. Cross offers extensive business experience coupled with local church ministry experience, and a heart for God to the Board of College Advisors. Since 1985 Jerry has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bryant Credit Union. Last year he led the organization through a merger with two other credit unions to become One Credit Union, growing the organization's assets from $45M to $120M. Throughout this time Mr. Cross has also served in various officer positions including director, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Vermont Credit Union League, as well as, the Director of the New England Financial Executive Council. In addition he has served as a consultant and strategic planning facilitator for small credit unions in the area of Asset Liability Management. Jerry's community involvement includes serving as the Commissioner of the Claremont Police Department and as a lay leader in his local church. He is husband to Susie and dad to Michael, Matthew, and Kathryn.
Mr. Charles Russ Hogue (Russ)
President/Co-Owner
Wellsite Compressor & Equipment Company, LLC; Edmond, OK
President/Co-Owner
Whirlwind Methane Recover Services, LLC; Edmond, OK
A wealth of business experience, a strong family commitment and years of faithful local church service are what Mr. Hogue adds to our Board of College Advisors. With more than 37 years in the Oil and Gas Industry, and 22 years of being a self-employed entrepreneurial leader, he currently serves as President/Co-Owner of Wellsite Compressor & Equipment Company, LLC and as President/Co-Owner of Whirlwind Methane Recovery Services, LLC. Russ previously served as the President of Equity Compressors, Inc. as well as Pro-Sales & Equipment Company. Married to Sue Ann for more than 37 years, the couple consistently demonstrates a strong family commitment in raising their three children, Rusty, Mendy and Dustin. Today they are impacting the lives of the next generation through their three grandsons. Russ has served the local church through teaching and serving in various roles including both the finance and the personnel committees.
Pastor Maston E. Jackson
Senior Pastor
Ridgeview Baptist Church; Knoxville, TN
Committed to reaching the lost for Christ through various ministries including a growing and active missions program, one-on-one mentoring and personal evangelism, Maston joins the Board of College Advisors sharing the desire to see laborers trained for the harvest. Since 1999 Pastor Jackson has served as Senior Pastor of Ridgeview Baptist Church. With a B.A. in Biblical Studies, he has also served as Chapel Music Director as well as Minister of Music in various capacities. Rounding out Maston's resume is a wide array of service in numerous capacities throughout the Southern Baptist Convention on the local, state and national levels. He has also written articles for several publications. Having been selected to "Who's Who among American College Students," Maston understands the importance of a solid education united with a clear emphasis on reaching the lost for Christ. Married to Donna, the couple has three children, Jonathan, Andrew and Jennifer.
Dr. David E. Lanier
Professor of New Testament
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Wake Forest, NC
Dr. Lanier brings years of experience in education, research, writing and editorial expertise to the Board of College Advisors. He holds a B.A., two M.A.s and a PhD. Currently serving as Professor of New Testament at SEBTS, David brings more than 35 years of teaching experience on the college and graduate level. In addition he has authored numerous articles as well as Bible study curricula. His writing experience has led to numerous editorial roles including three theological journals, numerous PhD papers, and accreditation report documents for higher educational institutions. Throughout his educational ministry, David has remained active in practical ministry through numerous teaching, leading, and serving positions in the local church including pulpit supply. He also brings extensive experience in participating and leading mission trips and archeological digs. David is husband to Sarah and dad to Jonathan.
Pastor Ronald Poitras
Manufacturing Manager, Operations and RF Systems
BAE Systems; Nashua, NH
Associate Pastor
Christian Fellowship Baptist Church; Londonderry, NH
Combining a heart for the lost with leadership qualities, Mr. Poitras offers a unique blend of business and ministry experience to the Board of College Advisors. Having received the nationally recognized Northeast Shingo Prize (Gold Level, 2007), Ron is the Manufacturing Manager overseeing Operations and RF Systems for BAE Systems. Along with various managerial duties, he is currently working to transform the RF Systems Manufacturing business into a world-class operation. Additionally Ron serves as the Associate Pastor and Worship Leader for Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. Ron shares his love for the Lord with the lost, seekers and Christians alike through various ministries in and outside of the church including preaching the Gospel, community outreach, pastoral counseling, music and personal evangelization. Ron and his wife, Candi, have two children, Josh and Bekah.
Mr. L. Ronald Smith
President
MGW Communications, Inc.; Williamsville, VA
As President of MGW Communications, Inc., a telecommunications service provider, Mr. Smith shares his business expertise combined with a passion for local and overseas missions with our Board of College Advisors. Ron serves his local church as a deacon and adult men's Sunday school teacher and his community in several capacities including as past member of the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation. Recently, he was elected Director Emeritus to the Board. Ron has been concerned for and supported missions for many years, but a trip to work with SBC Disaster Relief after Miami's Hurricane Andrew changed his heart forever. The victims of the storm not only needed physical and financial help, but they needed someone to show them the love of Jesus. This passion for missions grew exponentially following several trips to Zambia. As Ron plans to move toward retirement, he and his wife, Bonnie, look forward to increasing their time spent on mission projects desiring to work from their "Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the Earth." Ron and Bonnie have two children, Craig and Cynthia.
Pastor Gary Willett
Executive Pastor
New Life Community Church; Inwood, WV
Executive Pastor Gary Willett, of New Life Community Church joins the Board of College Advisors contributing pastoral, administrative and evangelistic experience to our work. Gary holds a B.A. and has completed graduate work towards his M.Div. Currently he is pursuing a Master's in Ministry Leadership. Along with his academic pursuits, Gary is passionate about outreach ministry and has helped start and served on many outreach boards (crisis pregnancy centers, a counseling center, mission ministries, etc.). He has also served on the General Mission Board and the Administrative Committee of the Maryland/Delaware Baptist Convention. Gary is a godly man, a proven leader and an exceptional administrator. He is husband to Tracy and father of Sarah, Abigail, Timothy and Samuel.
