Rate My Professor Thomas Sanders

Dr. Thomas Sanders is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of Christian Ministry, and holder of the Edwin F. and Mary Prince Moore Chair of Business at East Texas Baptist University, where he has served since 2013. Initially appointed as Assistant Provost and Associate Professor of Religion in June 2013, he advanced to Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs in June 2014 and assumed his current roles in February 2015. As chief academic officer, he leads seven academic schools and thirteen departments, managing programs such as dual enrollment, international and graduate education, the Center for Academic Excellence, Learning and Leading freshman experience, Global Education, Institutional Research and Accreditation, service learning, the Institute for Economic Education, Jarrett Library, and Institutional Technology. He teaches courses in Christian Education and freshman seminars, and supports at-risk students academically. Previously, from 2006 to 2013, Dr. Sanders directed graduate programs at Dallas Baptist University, teaching subjects including church administration, leadership in educational ministry, family ministry, children's ministry, and qualitative research. His professional career also encompasses ministry leadership at Park Cities Baptist Church (2003-2006), LifeWay Christian Resources as Director of Childhood Ministry Publishing (1996-2003), and churches in Austin, Waco, and Hewitt (1987-1996). Dr. Sanders holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies (Dallas Baptist University, 2009), M.A. in Religious Education (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1990), and B.A. in Religion (Baylor University, 1987).

Dr. Sanders' research and publications center on children's spiritual formation, faith development, and ministry practices. His dissertation, "The kingdom of God belongs to such as these: Exploring the conversion experiences of Baptist children" (2009), investigates children's perceptions of conversion and baptism. Notable books include "I’m a Christian now! Leader resources" (with T. Capps and T. Shaw, 2011), "When can I?" (2001), "Teaching preschoolers: First steps toward faith" (with M. Bradberry, 2000), "Levels of biblical learning" (2000), and "Preschool Sunday school for a new Century" (with C. Lumpkin, 1999). He contributed chapters to "Handbook for Baptists" (2013) on talking with children about faith and "Christian Education Leadership" (2012) on spiritual formation and preschool ministry. His peer-reviewed articles and book reviews in Christian Education Journal address children's ministry, pastoral care, and psychology of religion. Additionally, Dr. Sanders developed curricula for LifeWay, Women's Missionary Union, and Baptist conventions. At ETBU, he chairs strategic planning, delivers chapel messages, and contributes to student engagement and athletics, influencing Christian higher education through administrative leadership and teaching.