Baylor prof earns international honor for lifetime of New Testament studies

Even if she had never received “one of the most significant recognitions ever bestowed upon a Baylor faculty member,” Dr. Beverly Roberts Gaventa’s contributions to New Testament scholarship and higher education would be impressive. She has served as a past president of the world’s largest professional organization of Biblical scholars, written numerous influential books and articles, and served on the faculties of both Princeton Theological Seminary and Baylor, to name but a few highlights.

This summer, however, her work was recognized with one of the most meaningful awards available within her field: the Burkitt Medal for Biblical Studies. Created by the British Academy in 1923, the international award is presented annually, but only available to New Testament scholars every other year. Roberts Gaventa, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Interpretation in Baylor’s Department of Religion, is one of only a few Americans to ever have won the honor. Past winners have come from such institutions as Oxford and Yale Divinity School.

“The Burkitt Medal from The British Academy is one of the most significant recognitions ever bestowed upon a Baylor faculty member in the history of our university,” noted Dr. Mikeal Parsons, a Baylor religion professor. “We are delighted that Dr. Gaventa’s lifetime achievements in scholarship, teaching and service have been recognized by this veritable institution.”

Roberts Gaventa came to Baylor in 2013 after more than 20 years at Princeton, where she retains a position as The Helen H.P. Manson Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis Emerita. Her scholarship focuses on theological and historical interpretation of the Christian Scriptures, particularly the letters of Paul.

Sic ’em, Dr. Beverly Roberts Gaventa!