Olivet University announced Sept. 9 the appointment of Dr. Donald Tinder as the new Dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary.  The announcement was made by the University president Dr. William Wagner at Olivet University’s 2010 Fall Convocation yesterday.

Dr. Tinder, renowned scholar in the area of historical theology, will assume the deanship of OTCS, taking over for Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman who has been appointed to serve as Vice President of Olivet University. After his retirement from Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF) in Belgium, Dr. Tinder relocated to California in June of this year. Dr. Tinder, who had previous teaching opportunities at Olivet on several occasions, met with the leadership of Olivet throughout the summer on what the Lord has planned for the both. And after several discussions, Dr. Tinder has graciously accepted Olivet’s offer of taking the deanship at the theological college.

Following the announcement of his appointment, Dr. Tinder was honored to give the Convocation address at the event. In his address, taken from the “Olivet discourse” in Matthew 24, Dr. Tinder spoke of the Lord’s message on how to be prepared in our time. He concluded that we should stand firm, proclaim the Gospel to all nations, keep watch and be prepared, and serve others.

Dr. Tinder, who currently resides north of San Francisco, served as the associate editor of Christianity Today, academic dean of Tyndale Theological Seminary, and professor and the doctoral program coordinator at ETF, which he has recently retired from. Dr. Tinder holds his B.A. from Yale, M.Div. from Fuller, and Ph.D. from Yale.

“Dr. Tinder’s experience and extensive knowledge in the area of Christian historical theology will enable him to raise OTCS into a seminary that truly produces Biblical scholars,” said OTCS director Jonathan Park. “We are looking forward to inherit his knowledge and faith as he works together with us.”