LOUISVILLE, Ky. (SBTS) — Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin announced May 3 the appointment of Daniel S. Dumas, senior vice president for institutional administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to lead a transformation of the state’s adoption and foster care system, effective June 19.
“There is no reason a child in Kentucky, who is ready to be adopted, should be without a family. We have to rethink the way we do foster care in this state, and Dan Dumas is just the visionary to help lead that charge. Dan is a servant leader, and his proven track record of excellence in innovation will help us cut through the red tape currently keeping 8,000 of Kentucky’s foster children from their forever families,” Bevin said.
In his role at Southern Seminary since 2008, Dumas has led the institution’s strategic initiatives, building projects and renovations, and budget expansion. He has also taught Christian leadership courses and written or edited several books, including Live Smart and Guide to Biblical Manhood.
“Dan Dumas has made an invaluable contribution to Southern Seminary as senior vice president for Institutional Administration. I am thankful for his decade of service and for his commitment to our mission,” said Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr.
“Dan is a great leader, and he has a tremendous heart for service and ministry. He will be greatly missed in this key leadership capacity at Southern Seminary. I congratulate both Governor Bevin and Dan Dumas on this announcement,” Mohler said.
Elected in 2015, Bevin has made the transformation of Kentucky’s adoption and foster care system a priority for his administration. He and his wife, Glenna, adopted four children from Ethiopia after trying unsuccessfully to adopt an 11-year-old girl from Kentucky.
Dumas said that he is honored to serve the commonwealth of Kentucky and vows to be an agent of change on behalf of children and families.
“I am resolved to make our adoption and foster care system faster, safer, more affordable, and more accessible,” Dumas said. “Governor Bevin and I are committed, along with many other Kentuckians, not to back down until every orphan in Kentucky has a loving home.”
“I have no doubt that he will make a great contribution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Mohler said. “The Christian faith puts a great priority upon taking care of the vulnerable — and children especially. Adoption is presented as a picture of our salvation in Christ. Dan Dumas understands this well, and he and Jane have lived this joyful commitment before us all, as have Matt and Glenna Bevin. I am very thankful that Governor Bevin is drawing a line in the sand to challenge the Commonwealth of Kentucky to lead the nation in adoption and foster care. The whole Southern Seminary and Boyce College family will be praying for this great effort, and for Dan as he now leads it.”
Prior to coming to Southern Seminary, Dumas served at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as an executive pastor and executive director of conferences. He earned degrees from Criswell College and The Master’s Seminary and is a United States Navy veteran. He and his wife Jane have two adopted sons, Aiden and Elijah.
Mohler also announced that Dumas will continue to contribute to Southern Seminary as special assistant to the president for several strategic projects.