Dr. James Buchanan is stepping into the role of CSU’s dean of CSU’s School of Theology. The position was previously filled by Dr. David Lackey, who recently retired.
Dr. Buchanan has served as an assistant professor and associate dean of students at CSU. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Bible & Pastoral Ministry from CSU in ’95, a Master of Divinity from BBS in ’08 and a Doctor of Ministry from Baptist Bible Seminary in ’23. A pastor at Berean Church in Scranton, PA, for more than 20 years, he has been an interim pastor at Neath Church in Warren Center, PA, since 2022.
Dr. Buchanan has not taken the transition to this new position lightly—he humbly acknowledges the weight of the responsibility and the shoes he is filling. “The legacy of those who have gone before is bright, as Dr. Lackey and Joe Schloegel have done an excellent job directing the School of Theology for many years here. I intend to follow in the footsteps of these giants, taking the amazing truth of Scripture and helping our students connect that truth to the culture.”
He continued, “More than just learning what is true, we want those who attend CSU to be able to live as lights in the midst of our postmodern society. In every arena, we will show what it is like to be Christ-centered as they prepare for the career God is leading them toward.”
Dr. Buchanan began teaching at CSU online in 2013 and found a mentor in Dr. Lackey and other CSU faculty members. He said, “Dr. Lackey invested in me and helped me grow in both my role and responsibility in the online world. Dr. Jim King and Erica Young both encouraged me to develop my skills to the point where I was able to onboard some of the newer professors. Dr. Lackey also allowed me to design online classes and to teach on campus.”
He continued, “In more recent years, Dr. Bill Higley has been highly influential with his guidance and direction. It is this type of mentoring, investing in me to help me grow in my ability and capacity, that has enabled me to step into this new role at CSU.”
Dr. Higley speaks fondly of Dr. Buchanan and is confident he fits the role perfectly. He said, “Dr. Buchanan brings a deep commitment to knowing the Word of God, intellectually and practically. He has the rare ability to combine that perspective in his teaching. He loves students and seeks to do all he can to help them learn and live God’s Word in their lives.”
He continued, “And his pastoral experience brings his always shepherding heart to the process. Promoting Dr. Buchanan to this role is a huge win for the students of CSU.”
In this new position, Dr. Buchanan will have the critical task of upholding the school’s dedication to biblical authority. He takes a 2 Timothy approach to this responsibility, saying, “The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God, and it speaks truth for all time. It is profitable to equip the people of God to do the work of God. More than just facts for life, it provides the wisdom and guidance necessary to live a life pleasing to God.”
One of his primary responsibilities will be to help the professors in the School of Theology succeed as they influence and instruct students. He will also work with the other academic deans to train students to be Christ centered and career ready.
Dr. Buchanan has been a beloved assistant professor at CSU for years. His charming personality and down-to-earth demeanor can make an early morning Daniel and Revelation class a delightful, engaging experience for students. He is a natural in the classroom, and his love for teaching began at an early age.
He said, “I have always loved teaching, and it is an amazing privilege to communicate the truth of Scripture in a way that connects with the audience. Teaching is not just about learning information but about applying that information to life. Teaching is something I have appreciated for many years, as two Godly men impacted me in my high school years—my 7th grade math teacher and my 12th grade psychology teacher. Both of them made their subject matter come alive, showing how each subject applied to life and not just for a grade. Their influence made a difference in why I desire to teach today.”
In his downtime, you can find Buchanan playing golf (not very well, according to him), reading, playing games with his family, or watching the Pittsburgh Steelers (he hopes to catch an in-person game soon). He is married to Dr. Lynelle Buchanan, who is the dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences and professor in CSU’s Counseling Department. The husband-and-wife duo serves as resident directors in Fletcher Hall. Drs. Buchanan will be married for 28 years this July, and they have three kids. Their oldest, Matt, is a senior at CSU; their middle child, Chris, is entering the 12th grade, and their youngest, Beth, is entering the 11th grade.
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by Jessica Abbiati (‘19)
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