Journal of European Baptist Studies, 2017

mentation, pressing students to submit relevant details, and harrying supervisors to complete reports — which has always been done with grace and charm. Such was the quality of the IBTS programme and administrative support that in 2005 the Rector, Keith Jones, was appointed to the Research Degree Board of the University of Wales to represent the validated institutions, recognising that IBTS had an approach to doctoral studies which added value to the approach of the University. The Directorate, the core team, and key adjunct colleagues Each of those who served in the IBTS Directorate from 1998 until 2014 demonstrated a commitment to the doctoral programme alongside the basic task assigned by the EBF Council to IBTS in 1997 of delivering a series of Master’s programmes which were European in form. 46 In that sense, the doctoral programme was an unexpected add-on, which proved to be of lasting value and significance. It would be invidious to single out any one person or persons as having made a unique contribution. The Academic Dean has been identified, for around that individual so much cohered, yet the Academic Deans were supported by other members of the Academic Team and adjunct academic staff, all of whom made important contributions. Here they are listed alphabetically as a point of note and reference for those in future who wonder who contributed to this significant achievement: Professor John H. Y. Briggs (United Kingdom) The Revd Dr Cheryl Brown (USA) The Revd Dr David M. Brown (USA) The Revd Dr Wesley H. Brown (USA) Dr Rene Erwich (Netherlands) Dr David R. Goodbourn (United Kingdom) The Revd Dr Darrell Jackson (Australia) The Revd Dr Keith G. Jones (United Kingdom) The Revd Professor Dr Andrew J. Kirk (United Kingdom) Dr Lydia Kucova (Czech Republic) 46 The European Union Bologna programme was taken to be the key base line in order to ensure Master’s graduates from IBTS had portable qualifications within greater Europe and the Middle East. Jones, A ‘Mistake ’ which Became a Triumph 21 The Revd Professor Nancey Murphy (USA) The Revd Professor Ivana Noble (Czech Republic) Dr Timothy F. J. Noble (United Kingdom) The Revd Dr Simon J. Oxley (United Kingdom) The Revd Docent Dr Parush R. Parushev (Bulgaria) The Revd Dr Peter F. Penner (Kazakhstan) The Revd Dr J. M. G. Purves (Scotland) Dr Davorin Peterlin (Croatia) Dr Einicke Pilli (Estonia) Dr Toivo Pilli (Estonia) Professor Wiard Popkes (Germany) The Revd Dr Ian M. Randall (United Kingdom) The Revd Professor Glen H. Stassen (USA) The Revd Dr Lina Toth (Lithuania) Support from the Board of Trustees From the moment the legal document arrived from the University of Wales, providing for the supervision of students on appropriate disciplines for the submission of dissertations for doctoral degrees, the Board of Trustees was presented with a challenge. This development was beyond what had been envisaged in 19