Dr Padilla Named to Western Seminary Post

May 11, 2016

It is with sadness for us, but joy for him, that we announce the appointment of Dr. Alvin Padilla as the new Academic Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western Theological Seminary (WTS) in Holland, Michigan.   Dr. Padilla has served the Gordon-Conwell community in key roles for 19 years, first as Dean of our Boston Campus, and more recently as the inaugural Dean of our Hispanic Ministries Program.  Under his leadership the Hispanic Ministries Program has grown to more than 200 students per semester, working with numerous denominations and organizations.  In his roles Dean Padilla has brought vision, passion, networking, and strong relational gifts.  We will deeply miss Al’s friendship and the significant voice he brought to our seminary.

In his new role, Dr. Padilla will give academic leadership to a seminary with 16 faculty and nearly 300 students.  He will start on approximately July 1, 2016.  We wish Al and Cathy all the best in this new calling and send them with our blessing.

We at Gordon-Conwell remain deeply committed to the flourishing of our Hispanic Ministries Program.  An international search for Dr. Padilla’s replacement in Hispanic Ministries will begin immediately.

Yours in Christ,

Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D.
President &
Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics