Southern Nazarene University is partnering with Rev. Juan R. Vázquez-Pla in maintaining and strengthening the Latino/Hispanic relationship between the Southern Nazarene University (SNU) and the South Central Regional Church of the Nazarene. He is a pastor, educator, former missionary and District Superintendent. Rev. Vázquez-Pla, now retired, is volunteering his services to the SNU Church Relations Office. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from SNU and is fluent in Spanish (vernacular) and English. With his extensive background in ministry and his proven leadership he has demonstrated his commitment to serving Hispanic/Latino ministers and laypeople in the Church of the Nazarene.

The scope of his service will include but not be limited to the following:

• Point person for the Latino Ministerial Education Initiative—exploring new and innovative ways and opportunities for Latino undergraduate ministerial training for the 21st century
• Promote partnerships and tie-ins by representing the University’s interests with Church and non-church Latino media and editorial boards
• Liaise with special interest groups looking for opportunities to advance Latino Christian higher education in general
• Engage in community and church relations work through special events, coordination of sponsorships, speaking engagements, networking and promoting community and congregational participation efforts

Contact Rev. Vázquez-Pla by email at juvazque@snu.edu or jrvp_coqui@yahoo.com. He may also be reached by telephone at (405) 491-6314 or (405) 301-2801.