Filling a significant Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary cabinet position, President Jason K. Allen announced the appointment of a new vice president of institutional administration July 11.
James Kragenbring, formerly president and chief investment officer of Aquifer Capital, LLC, in Phoenix, accepted the position overseeing all business and financial services, human resources, dining services, campus operations, information technology, major seminary projects, and other seminary programs and efforts.
“Midwestern Seminary is delighted to welcome Jim Kragenbring as our new vice president for Institutional Administration,” Allen said. “Jim has deep roots in the state of Missouri, has a life-long commitment to the Southern Baptist Convention, and is one who has supported and contributed much to Southern Baptist theological education. What is more, Jim is an alumnus of Midwestern Seminary and also a personal friend to many of us at this institution.”
Allen also noted that Kragenbring’s professional experience will enable him to make an inestimable contribution as he leads this expansive division within Midwestern Seminary saying, “The institution’s growth these past few years has enabled us to bring greater focus on our endowment. Jim’s significant experience in the investment world will strengthen us all the more.
“We are grateful for the way God has prepared Jim through previous vocational responsibilities, through his up-close knowledge of Midwestern Seminary, and through his personal acumen to undertake this assignment. We look forward to God using Mr. Kragenbring to help us facilitate the seminary’s next level of growth and institutional health,” Allen added.
Of being appointed to the position, Kragenbring said, “It will be a great joy and tremendous privilege to serve alongside the gifted scholars and leaders God has drawn to Midwestern Seminary. I am excited to return to my home state of Missouri and to join Midwestern Seminary in training men and women for the church.”
Kragenbring, who graduated with a finance degree from the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis and earned a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Seminary, noted that he sees a bright future for the school and is eager to get involved in the seminary community.
[quote]“What God has done at Midwestern over the past five years is extraordinary,” Kragenbring said. “Under Dr. Allen’s leadership, Midwestern Seminary has become the premier theological institution serving the local church. And I pray that we have experienced only the beginning of what God is pleased to do. I look forward to coming alongside the faculty and staff to train pastors, teachers, evangelists, and missionaries to serve the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention—and beyond—for the glory of God.”[/quote]
The position opened for Kragenbring’s arrival as current VP of Institutional Administration, Gary Crutcher, announced his retirement plans after serving in the position since August 2014.
Allen praised Crutcher for his time serving in the position, noting that Crutcher will take on a part-time role for the next several months as Kragenbring transitions into the position.
“Gary Crutcher has faithfully and effectively carried out his responsibilities at Midwestern Seminary while serving as vice president for institutional administration these past three years,” Allen said. “Mr. Crutcher is a valued colleague, a voice of wisdom, and has become a dear friend to me. We rejoice with him, as he and Nancy venture into the next phase of life and ministry that the Lord has planned for them.”
Kragenbring has been active in the investment management industry for more than 20 years, having managed portfolios of some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated endowments, foundations, pension plans, insurance companies, and multinational corporations. In 2008, he founded Aquifer Capital, LLC, and has led the firm since that time.
Kragenbring will begin his responsibilities at Midwestern Seminary Aug. 1, and after a season of transition, will begin leading the division in mid-September.
T. Patrick Hudson is executive assistant to the president at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.