Education

• Machinist Training (1977)
• B.A. at East Texas Baptist University (1984)
• Master of Divinity Southwestern Theological Seminary (1987)
• Certified Traumatologist Florida State University (1997)

Topics Taught

• Strain Gage Application
• Load Cell Calibration and Safety

Experience

• 2003–Present Laboratory Technician, LeTourneau University

- Assist faculty and students with Mechanical Engineering, equipment repair-modification-design/manufacturing and data acquisition.

- Design and build laboratory experiment machines and experimental equipment, including several original designs for which comparable equipment is not readily available.

- Co-authored a paper with Dr. Kyun Lee demonstrating how quality vibration laboratory equipment could be produced economically using equipment designed and built by Terry Lyles.

• Trained machinist and certified structural welder

- Machining and manufacturing experience ranging from oil-field equipment and prototypes to military jet aircraft components.

• Armed Bank Security

Fort Worth, Texas

• Manufacturing Prototyping Engineer, Fort Smith, Arkansas

- Promoted to work as a member of the engineering team

Church Involvement

Terry's commitment to ministry began at an early age. At 17, he served as a Sunday School teacher and became chairperson and driver for his church's bus ministry. At 18, he was asked to serve as a deacon in a 400-member church and preached his first official sermon.

Over the years, Terry has served the church in a wide variety of roles, including Youth Director, Camp Pastor, Pastor, Music Leader, Missionary, Associate Pastor, Supply Preacher, and Hospital Chaplain.

As a hospital chaplain, Terry organized the Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center Chaplaincy and oversaw end-of-life issues. He was named Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Chaplain of the Year in 1987.

Terry has also organized a Community Ministerial Alliance, bringing churches and ministers together in service to their community.

Background

Terry met his wife, Laurie, while they were students at East Texas Baptist University. They have been married for 46 years and have four grown children and six grandchildren

Terry's life has taken him down two very different paths that have continually intersected: technical work and ministry. He has worked as a machinist on everything from oil-field equipment and manufacturing prototypes to military jet aircraft components. He has also served as a pastor, hospital chaplain, missionary, and ministry leader.

Since joining LeTourneau University in 2003, Terry has been able to bring those two areas of experience together. His technical background allows him to design, build, repair, and modify equipment for the Engineering labs, while his years in ministry have shaped the way he works with students.

Terry sees his role as more than maintaining equipment or helping with experiments. He sees it as an opportunity to encourage and equip the next generation of engineers. When students come for help his goal is not to merely give students answers, but to encourage their critical thinking as they find the answers for themselves.

Terry is quick to give credit to God and to his wife, Laurie, for the life and opportunities he has been given. He says he is honored to be married to Laurie and grateful for the encouragement and support she has given him through all that God has led them through.

At LeTourneau, Terry considers it a privilege to bring his technical skills, ministry experience, and desire to serve others together in one place. For both faculty and students, he has become a valued resource, mentor, and encourager.