• Baylor’s Truett Seminary celebrates its 25th year

    Baylor's Truett Seminary

    It seems only natural now that Baylor University would have a diverse and service-minded seminary that educates future ministers to impact the world around them. But, for almost a century, the dream of a Baylor seminary was just that — a dream.

    Thankfully, that all changed 25 years ago, as the vision for a Baylor seminary took a tangible step forward with founding of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Less than two years later, Truett Seminary was operational. Throughout 2015-16, Truett Seminary is celebrating its 25th year with a variety of programs and events that highlight both its history and future dedicated to preparing preachers, missionaries, and ministers to the world.

    Truett has steadily grown over the last quarter-century since its founding, both in enrollment and in the scope of programs offered. This fall, under new Truett dean Todd Still, BA ’88, the seminary welcomed its second-largest incoming class ever, continuing a steady pattern of growth. That growth is also evident in the depth of programs which show Truett’s recognition that ministry extends beyond the pulpit.

    Some of those programs include joint offerings between the seminary and social work (a combined MDiv/MSW), Baylor Law (an MDiv/JD program) and the Hankamer School of Business (an MDiv/MBA combination) — dual degrees that are educating lawyers, social workers and businesspeople to be ministers in fields that might not be seen as traditional. Throughout the seminary, new faculty hires and chairs are expanding opportunities for Truett students through programs and mentoring that can be unique to each student.

    Growth is also evident outside of campus. Two years ago, Truett expanded beyond campus for the first time by opening an Austin branch for students further from Waco. In the future, Truett is considering similar expansion in Texas and other states — locations that offer exciting opportunities for Baylor/Truett students to minister in large urban settings.

    As it celebrates 25 years, Truett Seminary is engaging alumni across the country in events that serve as time to both reflect and cast vision for the future. With graduates in 41 states and 25 countries, Truett Seminary is poised for continued growth as it follows its call to prepare ministry professionals to serve the church and the world.

    Sic ’em, Truett Seminary!