Leading Truett Seminary in San Antonio: An Interview with Joe Rangel

Dr. Joe Rangel, PhD, director of Truett in San Antonio, was inspired by Hispanic Baptist leaders to pursue ministry and academia. His passion for both fields brought him to Truett in San Antonio, where he integrates pastoral and academic skills, following the path set by inspirational predecessors.

In a recent conversation, Dr. Rangel shared insights into his background, work, and aspirations for the future of Truett in San Antonio.

Can you share your journey to becoming the Director of Truett in San Antonio? What experiences and positions have shaped your career?

My journey to becoming the Director of Truett in San Antonio began when I was a teenager and met a Hispanic Baptist leader with a PhD. That was the first time I saw someone from my ethnic background with such a prestigious degree minister with excellence. I knew then that if God called me to do the same, I would do it. Years later, I felt the call to study for a PhD because I knew that more Hispanic leaders would need to step into places of ministry prepared at a high level. After graduating with my PhD from Biola University, I began my career in higher theological education as a professor and later as an administrator in extension campuses. In this role, I learned the challenges and benefits of growing a seminary program in a place and demographic that needed it most. These career experiences shaped me uniquely and positioned me to lead Truett San Antonio in future endeavors and growth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in theological education?

I was inspired by Hispanic Baptist scholars and administrators like Dr. Jose Rivas, Dr. Josue Grijalva, Dr. Albert Reyes, and Dr. Javier Elizondo. These leaders entered a space that was not very diverse, yet they blazed a trail in Texas Baptist theological education and set a standard for other Hispanic Baptist academics like me to follow. Our seminaries need to continue to model the value of diversity among faculty and administrators, and I prepared myself as best as possible to join in that great calling.

What are your main priorities for Truett in San Antonio in the coming years?

One of my main priorities is to continue promoting Truett Seminary in the San Antonio area and neighboring counties. Many potential students are in the area and still do not know we are here. My focus is to champion our academic programs and create a vibrant faith community centered on a world-class theological education experience. San Antonio offers such a diverse ministry experience, and I want to draw on that rich diversity to enhance our classroom learning experience. In San Antonio, familia is an essential aspect of the culture, and my desire at Truett San Antonio is to incorporate cultural and ecumenical diversity into one big happy familia!

How do you ensure that the voices of students and faculty are heard and considered and what steps is the campus taking to enhance the student experience both academically and socially?

I like creating spaces for students to have input in their learning experiences. We usually have impromptu focus group experiences where I ask questions about their experience or any issues, I need to be aware of. The most critical need is to stay connected and feel connected to the main campus while creating community among the Truett San Antonio student body. We recently organized a trip to attend an event on the main campus, and some of our San Antonio students were able to attend. I aim to create further opportunities to attend events on the main campus because we are One Truett. On our San Antonio campus, our team organizes fellowships for our students to connect, and our goal is to sustain a vibrant, caring learning community. 

What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of your professional work?

When I am not working or teaching, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, and trying to play golf. I am also a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Texas Rangers. On most weekends, I love to grill, listen to Tejano music, and dabble with playing the drums.

What advice would you give to students starting their theological education journey?

The best advice I can give to students beginning their theological training is to enjoy the process. God is shaping your mind and heart in the classroom and through relationships built with fellow seminarians. God also molds seminarians through trials and tribulations one faces during the seminary experience, but also with mentorship opportunities. Be a part of the Seminary community, have a healthy balance of study and fellowship, and be ready to be shaped outside the classroom! 

How can students, faculty, and alumni best support and engage with the campus?

Students, faculty, and alumni can best support and engage with the Truett San Antonio campus by promoting our programs of study within their circles of influence. Word of mouth continues to be the best marketing plan, and my goal is for our students, faculty, and alumni to experience the best that Truett San Antonio offers and, from that experience, speak to others about us! Come and visit us, nuestra casa es su casa (our home is your home).