ATLANTA – Libby Allen recently announced plans to step down as director of admissions for Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology, effective June 30.
This announcement comes following five years of service as director of admissions and 17 years overall in McAfee's admissions office. She served as an enrollment associate from 1998-2007 and as associate director of admissions from 2007-2010.
“Libby's dedication to the McAfee School of Theology and her personal attention to every prospective student has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Dr. R. Alan Culpepper, dean of McAfee. “She has truly been a defining part of the character of the School. Because of her, every entering student has experienced McAfee's commitment to each student before they ever attend their first class.”
Allen has been the staple figure in McAfee's admissions process, as she has had a hand in designing the workflow for data entry and application processing, as well as mentoring thousands of prospective students.
“We celebrate Libby's transition knowing our office will look and feel different,” said Barrett Owen, associate director of admissions. “Libby was so much more than an admissions director. She took it upon herself to nurture and love each student at McAfee. In a lot of ways, she was a shepherd to all of us who were moving our lives to Atlanta. Her energy and spirit will be hard to replace.”
Allen is stepping down from full-time work, but she is not retiring. Starting July 1, she will join Dr. Daniel Vestal, director of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership at Mercer, as administrative coordinator of the center. This new position will allow Allen to invest needed time and energy in the development of lay leaders across Baptist life.
“Libby Allen brings a deep love for the Baptist family and a breadth of practical experience that will strengthen the Baugh Center's mission to form Christian leaders,” said Dr. Vestal. “I am looking forward to ministering with her.”
Allen also intends to “slow down” a bit by moving from full-time admissions work to part-time administration at the Baugh Center. When asked about her plans, she said, “I want more time for family, traveling and participating in the Academy of Spiritual Formation.”
About the Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership
The Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership at Mercer University offers academic programs and promotes research initiatives that bring students, professors, pastors and other Baptist leaders into collaborative relationships. It also attracts Baptist leaders and emerging leaders from around the world for conferences, sabbatical leaves, and to pursue research and educational programs. The Baugh Center draws on the resources housed on Mercer's Cecil B. Day Campus in Atlanta, such as the American Baptist Historical Society, the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, the Center for Theology and Public Life, as well as other programs throughout the University.
About the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology
The James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology was established in 1996. Located in Atlanta, on Mercer University's Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus, the School of Theology offers degree programs leading to a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry. The School of Theology also offers several joint programs: an M.Div.-Master of Business Administration, M.Div.-Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and M.Div.-Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a Concentration in Non-Profit. For more information, visit theology.mercer.edu.
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 8,500 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and Penfield College of Mercer University – on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah – and four regional academic centers across the state. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University's medical, nursing, health professions and pharmacy schools. Mercer is affiliated with four teaching hospitals – Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah; Medical Center, Navicent Health, in Macon; and The Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. The University also has educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer is the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. www.mercer.edu
