Dissertation Topic Albert L. Reyes, DMin Andrews University July 2004

1. The Role of Higher Education in the Formation of Emerging Hispanic Leadership: A Case Study of Baptist University of the Americas Dissertation Topic Albert L. Reyes, DMin Andrews University July 2004

2. Background of the Problem • BUA, founded in 1947, consistently provides 75% of Hispanic pastoral leadership for the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Fellowship of 5,700 churches). • Every other Texan will be Hispanic by 2010; Hispanics are now the largest minority in the USA. • The current need among Texas Baptists for new ministers is 200 annually and the current need is 500 nationally. • BUA has an enrollment of 650 students and graduates 35-40 per year.

3. Background of Problem (Cont’d) • Enrollment was 218 in 1999 and has grown to 650 in 2004, a 300% increase. • Over the years, programs of study, have been changed without the benefit of research from 2-year, 4-year, non-accredited diplomas, Associate of Arts degrees, and most recently a BA Degree in Biblical/Theological Studies. • BUA was granted a Certificate of Authority to grant degrees and was accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education in 2003 for the first time in its history.

4. Background of Problem (Cont’d) • Hispanic HS drop out rate in Texas averages 50%, 33% nationally thereby limiting access to higher education for Hispanics. • BUA has pre-collegiate, ESL, and GED programs to build bridges to higher education. • BUA has no research-informed method of assessing the usefulness of its programs nor does it have a plan to assess future needs for new programs. • A study to explore the role of higher education for emerging Hispanic leadership has yet to be conducted.

5. Problem Statement • This study will explore the role higher education has in the formation of emerging Hispanic leadership at Baptist University of the Americas. A research-based case study of Baptist University of the Americas, currently in its 58th year of operations, has yet to be conducted. Therefore, little is known of the impact and fundamental role BUA has even though its stated mission is “the formation, from the Hispanic context, of cross-cultural Christian leaders.”

6. Purpose of the Study • The intent of this case study will be to explore the role of higher education in the formation of ministry leaders who attend Baptist University of the Americas, by identifying incoming emerging ministry leaders, assessing their expectations and the expectations of the churches or ministries who hire them, and by establishing a contextually appropriate curriculum that will enhance transformational impact on the part of BUA alumni.

7. Research Methodology • The basic question of this study is: What is the role of higher education in the formation of emerging Hispanic leadership at Baptist University of the Americas?

8. Additional Questions • What is the demographic description of the students enrolled at BUA from 1999 to 2004? • What were the expectations of alumni who studied at BUA in regard to the usefulness of the program of study to prepare them for ministry leadership? • What are the expectations of the churches and ministries who have hired BUA alumni from 1999 to 2004? • What kind of curriculum or program of study would increase the likelihood of transformational impact of BUA alumni in their ministry setting at or above the expectations churches and ministries have of them?

9. Contact Information • Albert Reyes • 800-721-1396 • areyes@bua.edu • www.bua.edu