Portland Seminary Welcomes Respected Regional Ministry Leader Tim Osborn as Dean

Newberg, Ore. – Tim Osborn is the incoming dean of George Fox University’s Portland Seminary. Osborn comes from Western Seminary, where he served as director of church mission and strategy. At Western Seminary he curated master’s degree cohorts and oversaw outward-facing regional initiatives. His pastoral background includes 17 years as the lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Portland, a ministry focused on disciple-making, leadership development, and church planting.

“Dr. Osborn is the ideal seminary leader for enhancing the relationship between Portland Seminary and the evangelical church in the Northwest,” says George Fox President Robin Baker. “The seminary and the university are here to equip leaders for the church, helping them develop character, skills and knowledge.”

An ordained minister and certified spiritual director, Osborn is a cofounder of the Portland Metro Network and serves on the leadership team of MultiplyPDX. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary with a focus on church-based leadership development, a Master of Divinity from the Talbot School of Theology, and a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and psychology from Azusa Pacific University.

“I believe God is at work in new and exciting ways through the church in the Northwest, and our nation - and there is an urgent need for the equipping of more leaders,” Osborn said. "I'm honored to join Portland Seminary to do all we can to meet that need.”

Osborn lives in Portland with his wife, Abby. They have three adult sons.

Osborn succeeds Tammy Dunahoo, who has served as dean for the past three years. Dunahoo, who has been traveling between her home in Arkansas and Oregon, resigned to spend more time with her family. She leaves the seminary with a streamlined curriculum and a vision for its next phase of growth. Osborn will work closely with Dunahoo for the first two months to guarantee a smooth transition. 

Portland Seminary, a graduate school of George Fox University, is a Christ-centered, multi-denominational community dedicated to preparing women and men spiritually, academically, and professionally for local and global ministry. Offering hybrid and online master's and doctoral programs, the seminary focuses on holistic spiritual formation, leadership development, and theological excellence.

George Fox University, Oregon’s largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report “Best National University.” Enrolling more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor’s degrees tailored for working adults.