 With the retirement of Dr. Rudnick in December 1992 the seminary called a new president, and L. Dean Hempelmann was inaugurated as the third president in November 1993.Under his leadership and the continuing leadership of Dr. Ronald Vahl as academic dean, the seminary engaged in a self-study which culminated in full ATS accreditation in May 1998.Also during the 1997-1998 academic year, the seminary established its Missionary Study Center as evidence of a commitment to the worldwide spreading of the Gospel.