Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has appointed John T. “Tim” Sumners of Joplin to the eight-member State Board of Education.

Dr. Sumners has worked as a church pastor and chaplain and is currently the chaplain for the Joplin Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Webb City Fire Department and the Redings Mill Fire District. He also served as an adjunct professor at Southwest Baptist University’s campus in Joplin.

Dr. Sumners holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma; a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; and a doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He has completed additional study at the University of Memphis in Tennessee and Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas.

“Our mission is to guarantee the superior preparation and performance of every child in school and in life,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “We look forward to serving with Dr. Sumners to fulfill this mission.”

Dr. Sumners will begin service immediately, and his appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.