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SEMINARY REMEMBERS FORMER PRESIDENT
Seminary ABSW President Emeritus Theodore A. Keaton, whose health declined in recent years, died Dec. 6, 2006, in Walnut Creek, Calif. He was 77. Keaton came to the seminary in 1987 as vice president for development and interim president. Appointed president in early 1990, he led the school for ten years through difficult times to a period of fiscal stability and academic excellence. During his tenure, Keaton eliminated the seminary's debt, balanced the budget, doubled student enrollment, and guided ABSW to a 10-year renewal of full accreditation. He was also responsible for conducting the 21st Century Fund Campaign, which raised more than $3 million for the annual fund, endowment, and restoration of Hobart Hall. "Ted Keaton's servant leadership grounded the seminary in mission, and his organizational gifts prepared the school for growth in this new century," said ABSW President Keith Russell. Keaton arrived at ABSW as a seasoned seminary leader. He spent 23 years at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, N.Y., as vice president of development, then three years as vice president at McCormick Theological School in Chicago. Earlier in his career, he was a pastor for three years in Akron, N.Y., and served five years on the fund development staff of the American Baptist Churches USA. Born in Indiana, Keaton was a member of First Baptist Church of Terra Haute, where he was ordained in 1954. He was a graduate of Indiana State University and earned his seminary degree at Colgate Rochester. In 1992, Linfield College awarded him a doctor of sacred theology. In retirement, Keaton traveled with friends, enjoyed his children and grandchildren, supported the Native American Baptist work in Oklahoma, and was a mentor and friend to young pastors. The Theodore A. Keaton Lectureship was established at ABSW in 2001 to honor his contributions. This annual lecture focuses on the theme of encouraging and developing effective pastoral leadership. The inaugural lecture took place in the spring of 2002. The upcoming lecture will be held Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at ABSW (see story). Keaton is survived by two sons, Theodore III and Mark, and their wives, Sarah and Cathy; three grandchildren; and his sister Jean Holler. A memorial service will be held on Jan. 6 at Lake-shore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland at 2 p.m. Gifts to the Theodore Keaton Memorial Scholarship Fund can be sent to ABSW, 2606 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. |
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