Prominent church historian and academic administrator Dr. David Hogg has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs at Phoenix Seminary, President Brian Arnold announced Tuesday. Hogg has served as Professor of Church History and Director of Library Services at Phoenix since July 2021. In his new role, Hogg will direct the seminary's academic programs, including ground and online education, in addition to overseeing enrollment and church partnerships. He assumed responsibilities as vice president on Oct. 10. 
In view of Hogg’s 4-year tenure as associate dean of Beeson Divinity School and his more than a decade of experience as a pastor, Arnold believes Hogg is well-equipped to advance the seminary’s mission to train Christ-centered ministers for the building up of healthy churches in Phoenix and the world.
"I have known Dr. Hogg’s stellar reputation as a scholar, pastor and godly man for many years,” Arnold said. “His administrative gifts have already helped our library advance under his leadership. But God had another reason for bringing him to Phoenix Seminary. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Hogg will exercise his leadership skills in a way that will help our seminary continue its upward trajectory.”
Arnold expects Hogg's appointment as vice president to reinforce Phoenix Seminary's reputation as an academically rigorous and trustworthy training ground for pastoral ministry.
“Dr. Hogg is the perfect blend of scholar and shepherd,” Arnold said. “He has an impressive track record in research, publishing widely on medieval theology and how evangelicals can retrieve this history, which is an increasingly relevant topic in our time. He also teaches and leads as one who is deeply invested in the local church. At Phoenix Seminary, we are as rigorous in our scholarship as we are serious about the church. Dr. Hogg propels us forward in this mission.”
Hogg also shared his appreciation for the seminary’s commitment to train students in the fundamental disciplines of theological study.
“In an era when many seminaries have fallen to the temptation to redact the gospel, Phoenix Seminary has remained true to the historic orthodox faith,” Hogg said. “It has also stayed the course in line with the grand tradition of theological education by prioritizing the classical disciplines of biblical studies, theology, church history and practical theology. I am pleased to expand my role with an institution that emphasizes these disciplines as a core value.”
Hogg succeeds former Executive Vice President Michael Thigpen. During his tenure, Thigpen oversaw several successful initiatives, including enhancements in online education and the Doctor of Ministry program. Hogg expressed appreciation for the reliable foundation his predecessor laid for the institution’s continued growth.
“Mike Thigpen has been a boon to the seminary and an effective partner under Brian Arnold’s capable leadership,” Hogg said. “He was God’s man in God’s timing, and I am encouraged to see how God has brought God-honoring men like Mike and others to fulfill his purposes here in Phoenix and the Southwest. God is no less sovereign in this transition as we continue to look to the Lord for his providential care and sustaining grace.”
Thigpen will remain at Phoenix Seminary as Professor of Old Testament. He said he is eager at this stage in his career to focus on teaching and researching in Old Testament and Hebrew-language studies.
“I’ve been serving in executive leadership for almost fifteen years with the Evangelical Theological Society and most recently Phoenix Seminary,” Thigpen said. “I have loved those leadership roles, but I have a growing desire to spend more time with students, to research and to write. I’m excited for this next season, not just for my change of role, but for what the Lord is doing in and through Phoenix Seminary.”
In addition to performing his duties as vice president, Hogg will continue to teach courses on church history. Prior to joining Phoenix Seminary, he taught at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina and Beeson Divinity School. His research in medieval theology and history has been published by Oxford University Press, NYU Press and Crossway, among other publishers.
Hogg and his wife Sarah live in Surprise and have three boys, Thomas, Oliver and Edward.
