Dr. Tony Cleaver, professor of Biblical Studies and Director of Distance Education, retired from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary at the end of 2023 after more than 13 years of faithful service to the seminary.
Cleaver’s contribution to the seminary is difficult to overstate. According to Dr. Charley Holmes, BMA Seminary President, “Dr. and Mrs. Cleaver have been incredibly supportive of the seminary’s ministry, both professionally and financially, during my time as seminary president.”
Vice President and Dean Philip Attebery emphasized that “Dr. Cleaver was essential to the formation and initiation of BMATS online distance education and critical to the ongoing quality and maintenance of BMATS distance education. Students have repeatedly expressed their appreciation and admiration for Dr. Cleaver’s skill and encouragement as a professor. The Lord used Dr. Cleaver to put BMA Seminary on the cutting edge of theological distance education.” Holmes added, “We are all grateful that Dr. Cleaver remains available for consultation when needed.”
In response to news of Cleaver’s retirement, the Board of Trustees’ Academic Committee “expressed its appreciation for Dr. Cleaver’s unique and extraordinary contribution to BMA Seminary during his time, especially as it pertains to distance education.”
Cleaver began his employment with BMA Seminary following years of serving in the pastorate and as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Cleaver’s higher education includes the B.A. and M.S. Ed. degrees from Baylor University, the M.Div. from BMA Seminary and the D.Min. from Luther Rice Seminary.
Cleaver has authored numerous books and is well-known for his articles entitled “Leave it to Cleaver” that appear in the Baptist Trumpet and other newspapers associated with the BMA.
BMA Seminary provides accredited theological education to qualified individuals by seeking to equip them for Christian service and leadership roles. The seminary supports the educational needs of the Baptist Missionary Association of America and other groups who share a like commitment to the authority of Scripture.
