Directory

A.W. Bill McGregor Family Chair of Christian Studies Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Ethics

Dr. Tony Celelli became president of SCS in 2005, after coming to the institution as an instructor in 2002. His areas of academic interest are ethics and leadership studies. Licensed for ministry in 1988 and ordained in 1995, Dr. Celelli has served in numerous ministry positions in Texas and New Mexico.

• Ph.D. – Dallas Baptist University (2012)
• M.Div. – Logsdon Seminary (2000)
• B.B.S. – Hardin-Simmons University (1993)

Dr. Jena Dunn has served in various roles at Stark College & Seminary in Corpus Christi, TX since 2008. She is currently the Provost and oversees faculty and curriculum at the college. She is also the Chair of the ABHE Commission on Accreditation and has served as an evaluator and team Chair for ABHE site visits. 

She received her Master of Divinity from Logsdon Seminary in 2011 and her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2018. Her dissertation is entitled Exploring Higher Education Institution Administrators, Certificate Students, and Employer Perceptions of Religious Educational Certificates and Diplomas: An Embedded Qualitative Single-Case Study.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dunn ha shown a dedication to student services, curriculum, faculty development, and creating the best possible student and faculty experience in Christian higher education. She has been married to her husband, Tyler Dunn, since 2012 and they have one son.

Education

Dr. George C. Evans Jr. joins the faculty at Stark as a lecturer of biblical studies, bringing with him a diverse background in education and ministry. Previously, he served as an adjunct instructor for Grand Canyon University in Arizona and at Pacific American Global University in Los Angeles, California. He has served in several pastoral roles over the years, including founding pastor of Winfield Way Church of God in Canton, Ohio.

Dr. Evans and his wife are recent transplants to Corpus Christi from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he served several churches. He holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Anderson University (Anderson, IN), an M.A. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA), and a Ph.D. from Regent University, School of Divinity (Virginia Beach, VA).

Driven by a deep passion for equipping others for their divine purpose, Dr. Evans guides people toward transformative encounters with Jesus. George is married to Sandra, and together they have two children—Atia, George III, and two grandchildren, Noah and McKenzie.

Research Interests

• Systematic Theology
• Christian History
• Hermeneutics
• Contemporary Theology

Education

• Ph.D. in Theology - Regent University (2022)
• M.A. in Theology - Fuller Theological Seminary (2018)
• B.S. in Integrated Leadership - Anderson University (2016)

Publications

• January 2025 - The Power of the Resurrected Body: Implications for Faith and Theology (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers)
• September 2023 - The Holy Spirit as Space for the Living (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers)

Andres Garcia is an alumnus of Logsdon Seminary at Stark College & Seminary, where he earned his Masters of Divinity in Spiritual Care. He serves as the pastor of New Song Fellowship Church and was ordained in 2010. Andres became an instructor at Stark in 2016. He completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Logsdon Seminary in 2022. He and his wife Amanda have three children, Emily, Selah, and Micah.

• D.Min. - Logsdon Seminary (2022)
• M.Div. – Logsdon Seminary (attended at the SCS campus) (2012)
• B.S. – Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2004)

Dr. Celeste E. González-Moreno came to SCS after completing her Ph.D. in Theology from Regent University. Her main area of interest is in Joban Studies and the significance of the animal discourse in the divine speeches. In addition, she is passionate about serving others, sharing the gospel, and helping equip individuals for ministry. She currently serves as the TFC Small Groups Curriculum Expert at The Family Church at the McAllen campus where she and her family are members. Dr. González-Moreno is a resident of Edinburg, TX where she lives with her husband, Javier and two children, Landrah Danae and Jacek Xander.

• Ph.D. – Regent University (2018)
• MATS – Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (2006)
• B.A. – University of Texas – Austin (2003)

Publication:
González-Moreno, Celeste. "Review of Steve Heinrichs, ed., Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization." Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies 6.2 (2021): pp. 469-471.

Professor Krissy Nichols serves as Stark's Theological Librarian. She holds a M.Div. from Logsdon Seminary and a MSLS from the University of North Texas. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she double-majored in English and Christian Ministry. Her dedication to ministry was further enriched by a year-long missionary experience in China from 2011 to 2012.

Currently, Professor Nichols serves in Children, Youth, and Worship ministry at First Baptist Church in Sinton, TX. Passionate about research, she finds joy in helping Stark students discover new insights in biblical and theological studies.

• MSLS (Master of Science in Library Science) - University of North Texas (2020)
• M.Div. – Logsdon Seminary (2018)
• B.A. – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (2011)

Ellis Orozco recently retired as the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas in order to focus on mentoring and training the next generation of pastors. He served as pastor for 30 years in three churches, including Iglesia Bautista Gollihar in Corpus Christi, Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, and First Baptist Church in Richardson.

Dr. Orozco started at Stark in 2023. His academic expertise lies in preaching and biblical exegesis. He attends First Baptist in Richardson, TX and is the founder and CEO of Karooso Ministries. Dr. Orozco is married to Priscilla, and they have three children: Gabriel, Michael, and Celeste. In his spare time, he loves teaching, coaching, reading, and spending time with family.

Education

• D.Min – Truett Seminary (2004)
• M.Div. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1993)
• B.S. – Texas A&M University (1986)

Brent Rempel joined the SCS faculty in July 2021. Previously, he served as an adjunct instructor at Providence Theological Seminary and Research Assistant and Tutor at the University of Otago, New Zealand. An alumnus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Providence Theological Seminary, he completed his doctoral studies at the University of Otago in 2021. He has served several churches in the US and Canada in various ministries, including youth, worship, and preaching.

Brent’s research interests lie in the areas of systematic and historical theology, with a focus in the trinitarian theology of John Webster. He has published articles in the Scottish Journal of Theology, International Journal of Systematic Theology, and Journal of Reformed Theology.

Brent is married to Rebecca, and together they have three children, Grace, Dale, and Matthew.

Education

• Ph.D. – University of Otago (2021)
• Th.M. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2018)
• M.A.T.S. – Providence Theological Seminary (2016)
• M.A.B.S. – Reformed Theological Seminary (2015)
• B.S. – Palm Beach Atlantic University (2012)

Recent Publications
“Mortificatio et Vivificatio: The Baptismal Shape of Scriptural Reading in John Webster.” International Journal of Systematic Theology: forthcoming.
“‘A Field of Divine Activity’: Divine Aseity and Holy Scripture, in dialogue with John Webster and Karl Barth.” Scottish Journal of Theology, 73:3 (2020): 203–215.
“The Trinitarian Pattern of Redemption in Richard Sibbes (1577–1635).” Journal of Reformed Theology 13:1 (2019): 3–25.

Rochelle Rocha Roots has served in ministry for over 30 years, and is currently serving as the Family & Executive Pastor of Christ Life Church in Corpus Christi, TX.

• MAFM – Logsdon Seminary (2016)
• Diploma in Ministry – Stark College and Seminary (2013)

Christopher Stapper, Ph.D. joined the Stark College & Seminary team in May 2013. Prior to this, he had already demonstrated his commitment to ministry by serving for seven years as the Teaching Pastor and Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Athens. Christopher's pastoral journey also included the role of an interim pastor at multiple churches, where he skillfully guided congregations during periods of transition. Furthermore, his passion for leadership within the church led him to explore the critical topic of leading volunteers in the local church for his dissertation. His academic pursuits equipped him with invaluable insights into empowering and mobilizing volunteers for effective ministry. While a student at Stark College and Seminary (formerly named the Baptist Learning Center), Christopher dedicated six years to leadership staff at Camp Zephyr, nestled on the shores of Lake Corpus Christi. This experience reinforced the importance of service for those called to ministry.

Currently, Christopher serves at SCS as well as serving as Pastor at Third Coast Church, where his dedication to ministry is able to be demonstrated outside of the classroom. His multifaceted experiences in pastoral leadership, theological study, and camp ministry give him a unique vantage point to serve as both an administrator and faculty member for SCS students.

• Ph.D. – Dallas Baptist University (2018)
• MBA – Dallas Baptist University (2012)
• MACE – Dallas Baptist University (2012)
• B.A. – Howard Payne University (attended at the SCS campus) (2005)

Cheryl has worked at Stark since 2014. While her primary responsibilities lie in the realms of communications and financial aid, her heart is also deeply invested in theological studies, with a particular interest in theodicies and the topic of evil and suffering.

Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Cheryl is a member at New Song Fellowship Church, where she serves in various administrative and teaching roles. She finds joy spending time with her nieces and nephews and is an ardent Disney enthusiast, eagerly seizing any opportunity to visit the most magical place on earth and create cherished memories.

Education

• B.A. in Communication - Texas A&M University Corpus Christi (2011)
• M.A. in Ministry - Stark College & Seminary (2021)
• M.Div. - Stark College & Seminary (In Process)

Dr. Villarreal first joined SCS as a student in 2011 when she answered a call to ministry while working in the field of distance learning at the Education Service Center, Region 2 for 12 years. She initially volunteered to manage SCS's distance learning equipment until she officially joined the SCS team in 2012 as Director of Technology Services. She now serves students in the areas of admissions, enrollment, disability services, and student life. She also teaches for Stark and serves on the Texas Baptists Hispanic Education Initiative Council.

• E.d.D. in Educational Leadership - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2024
• Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, December, 2017
• Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Ministry - Hardin-Simmons University, 2016
• Associates in Applied Science - Del Mar College, 2011

Anthony Cobbs serves as the Executive Pastor at Resurrection Baptist Church in Schertz, TX.

• Ed.D. – Creighton University
• M.A. – Wayland Baptist University
• B.S. – Grace University

Kenny Eiben is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Corpus Christi.

• M.Div. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1985)
• B.A. – East Texas Baptist University (1980)

Darin Griffiths, LPC-S and LMFT, has been part of STCH Ministries since 2005, serving as Vice President of Family Counseling since 2017. He holds a BA in Theology from Howard Payne University and three MA degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Education.

Darin specializes in Solution-Focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy, working with individuals and couples facing relationship challenges. As a licensed and ordained minister, he also speaks on parenting, marriage, and provides pulpit supply.

Married to Caren, with two children, Hadley and Hayden, Darin enjoys outdoor activities like farming, hunting, fishing, and shooting sports.

Education

• Southwestern Theological Seminary
  • MA - Marriage and Family Therapy
  • MA - Marriage and Family Counseling
  • MA - Christian Education

• BA - Howard Payne University

Dr. Lyles retired in 2021 as the Senior Pastor at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena.

• Ph.D. - Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1980)
• M.Div. - Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1974)
• B.A. - Dallas Baptist University (1972)

Dan Martino is currently the Senior Director, Administration for Inteplast Group located in Lolita, TX and serves at First Baptist Church, Inez.

• M.A. in Ministry - Stark College & Seminary (2022)

Dr. Moore serves as the pastor at Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX.

• Ph.D. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1994)
• M.Div. – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1988)
• B.A. – Baylor University

Primitivo Pagayon serves as the pastor at Jubilee Christian Fellowship in Harlingen, TX.

• M.Div. – Logsdon Seminary (2018)
• B.S. – University of the Philippines (1993)

Grover Pinson is currently the pastor of Windsor Park Baptist Church, Corpus Christi.

• D.Min. – Truett Seminary (2021)
• M.Div. – Logsdon Seminary (2005)
• B.A. – Hardin-Simmons University (1983)