Palm Beach Atlantic University Promotes Campus Pastor to Vice President for Spiritual Development
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Palm Beach Atlantic University President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has promoted Campus Pastor Dr. Bernie Cueto to Vice President for Spiritual Development.
In addition to serving as campus pastor to nearly 4,000 students, faculty and staff, Cueto will serve in the President’s Cabinet, assume a larger role with the Board of Trustees and take a more holistic approach to developing the spiritual culture on campus.
“Integrating Christian faith into everything we do is the most important ingredient in the ‘special sauce’ that is PBA,” Schwinn said. “Having Bernie Cueto responsible for spiritual development across all aspects of our community is important as we grow toward the future. He is a perfect fit for this newly expanded and vital role.”
Cueto has dedicated the last 25 years of his life to studying, teaching and preaching God’s Word. About 15 of those years have been at Palm Beach Atlantic, where he leads weekday campus chapel services and is available for pastoral support and prayer. A trained New Testament scholar, Cueto will continue to teach in the School of Ministry.
“President Schwinn is a trailblazer whose passion for Christ and spiritual life revolves around all she does,” Cueto said. “She saw the need for a more comprehensive approach to faith formation and wanted it represented at the University’s highest level, especially since it is central to our mission.”
Cueto is passionate about seeing lives change as students experience Christ-first community at PBA. The University welcomes and guides those who desire discipleship, developing them into the image of Christ for the sake of others, Cueto said.
“Helping others come to know Christ, grow in Christ and then go to the ends of the earth for him is what we do,” Cueto said. “At PBA, I have been able to do that with some of the very best faculty and staff who love God and are committed to academic rigor.”
Born in Miami, Cueto is proud of his Cuban-American heritage and was raised in an environment that embraced cultural diversity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature at Florida International University. He completed his Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary. He also serves as the teaching pastor at Family Church Gardens. He and his wife, Ana, have two sons and a daughter.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, with campuses in West Palm Beach, Orlando and online. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.