Leading Learning at His Alma Mater: Dr. Charles Rix Serves as Interim Dean
March 4, 2025
When Dr. Beth LaNeel Tanner decided to return to full-time faculty status after six years as Dean of the Seminary, her former student stepped into that leadership role. Dr. Charles M. Rix has been on a journey with NBTS for twenty-five years and is excited to lead the academic program into the future as Interim Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Rix brings a rich and diverse background to his leadership at NBTS. Before transitioning into academia, he spent thirteen years in corporate finance, developing skills in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and financial management. His corporate experience enhances his administrative leadership, providing a pragmatic approach to managing institutional growth and student success.
He then spent twelve years on the faculty at Oklahoma Christian University, where he served as a tenured professor of Bible and later as Dean of the College of Humanities and Bible. During this time, he was instrumental in developing interdisciplinary programs and fostering a curriculum that integrated biblical scholarship with contemporary social issues.
Dr. Rix also has deep pastoral experience, serving for seventeen years as senior minister at Monmouth Church, a multicultural congregation in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. His experience in ministry equips him with a practitioner’s perspective, ensuring that theological education at NBTS remains rooted in real-world application.
A Global Perspective on Theological Education
Each summer, Dr. Rix broadens his experience beyond the U.S. From 2009 to 2019, he was a visiting instructor at African Christian College in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), where he witnessed and contributed to the school’s transformation into a self-sustaining institution. Through this work, he facilitated cross-cultural theological dialogue, often bringing American students to engage with African students of various nationalities, tribes, and cultural backgrounds.
Currently, Dr. Rix serves as a theological resource for Poland Holocaust Study Trips, collaborating with educators from around the world in partnership with The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Center and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. This summer, he expects to receive certification as a Polish Holocaust Site Guide, further strengthening his ability to connect historical injustices with contemporary discussions on faith and justice.
A Return to NBTS
While Dr. Rix is new to the Dean position, he is no stranger to NBTS. In 2000, he initially registered as a limited-enrollment student, intending only to improve his Greek. However, he quickly became captivated by the seminary’s academic rigor and community, leading him to pursue a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at NBTS, which he earned in 2003 with a specialization in Old Testament.
From 2006 to 2011, Dr. Rix taught at NBTS as an adjunct professor in both the certificate and master’s programs. After returning in 2023, he took on the role of Director of the MA programs before stepping into his current position as Interim Dean in 2024.
An Artistic Vision for Theological Education
Dr. Rix is not only a scholar and administrator but also an artist. A classical pianist and playwright, he is passionate about the intersection of faith and the arts. He appreciates how NBTS has historically integrated the fine arts into worship and theological reflection. Recognizing that many students now participate remotely, he remains committed to finding creative ways to keep the arts central to the seminary experience. This fall, he hopes to teach a course titled “Bible, Theology, and Art,” reinforcing his belief that art has the capacity to deepen our understanding of human experience and strengthen our connection with God and one another.
His artistic background is reflected in his academic credentials, which include a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing/Playwriting alongside a Master of Philosophy and PhD in Biblical Studies from Drew University.
A Commitment to Justice-Centered Education
Another driving force behind Dr. Rix’s return to NBTS is the seminary’s justice-centered curriculum. He firmly believes that recognizing systems of power and privilege is essential for a relevant and impactful theological education. He is exploring ways for NBTS to expand its reach, ensuring that its biblical teachings on justice and equity are shared with diverse audiences beyond the traditional seminary setting.
President Micah McCreary affirms Dr. Rix’s impact, stating: “Dr. Rix does not return home empty-handed. He brings with him an extraordinary depth of experience—from corporate leadership to pastoral ministry, from academic scholarship to the arts. His ability to integrate these disciplines makes him exactly the kind of leader NBTS needs in this pivotal time. His vision and expertise will help shape a dynamic and forward-thinking academic program that equips our students for meaningful ministry in a rapidly changing world.”
Empowering Faculty and Students
As both a professor and administrator, Dr. Rix prioritizes empowering students and faculty to learn, grow, and develop their voices. “Students do their best work when they have the freedom to explore topics they are passionate about,” he says.
He credits his own academic and professional success to mentors who gave him room to explore, innovate, and collaborate, rather than simply dictating a path. Now, he seeks to create the same kind of environment at NBTS, ensuring that faculty and students can contribute meaningfully to conversations on faith, justice, and service.
His vision is to expand access to NBTS’s theological education, creating new pathways for those seeking to deepen their ministry skills. He believes many individuals in churches are eager for practical theological training, and NBTS is well-positioned to equip and empower them for service in today’s world.
With his unique blend of corporate, academic, pastoral, and artistic expertise, Dr. Rix is poised to lead NBTS into an exciting new chapter, one that honors its rich history while embracing innovation, justice, and creative expression in theological education.