From Staff Member to Student: Meet Nancy Floyd
If you have spent any time within the walls of Truett, you have likely met or heard of Nancy Floyd. As the assistant to the associate dean of academic affairs, Nancy has dedicated 30 years to serving Truett’s students, faculty, staff, and families. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Nancy as she reflected on her experiences at Truett and shared her hopes for the future as she embarks on a new journey—this time as a seminary student herself.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at Truett Seminary?
I grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, as one of three daughters of a Baptist minister of music. I was deeply shaped by the church music of the 1960s and 70s. Naturally, this led me to Baylor in 1976 as a music education major with a focus on instrumental studies. After a brief time as a band director and elementary music teacher, I joined Baylor in 1981 as an administrative assistant in the English department. In 1995, I felt God calling me to Truett Seminary, where I transitioned into a similar role. Serving alongside remarkable professors, dedicated staff, and inspiring students has been a joy. Over the years I've witnessed incredible growth in the Truett family, the creation of 14 degrees, and the graduation of over 1,900 students who are now serving God around the world.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the Truett community?
Being part of the Truett community means being respected and valued by everyone you encounter. The spirit of this school is rooted in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and the mandate to proclaim the good news of his resurrection is symbolized by the large globe sculpture that welcomes everyone in the narthex foyer as they enter. What I especially love about Truett is that every student, regardless of age, gender, race, or background, receives an equal theological education and is encouraged to serve Christ according to their unique calling.
In your eyes, what makes Truett truly unique?
Truett Seminary began with the idea that all of its classes would be taught in a seminar style where students are actively involved in the teaching of others. The foundations of Truett’s curriculum from the beginning have been centered on the study of Scriptures, Biblical languages, theology, pastoral care, leadership, administration, preaching, and worship. The spiritual formation program remains an innovative part of the curriculum, and the spiritual practices and relationships formed in covenant groups go with everyone as they serve in churches, non-profit organizations, and other parachurch groups. The mentoring program is also a distinctive feature of Truett and has proven to be invaluable in the development of student leadership qualities for the Church.
What made you decide to go back to school now?
Realizing that I am close to the end of my tenure at Truett, I have been praying for God to lead me to the next phase of my life. Just last January, I talked to a former professor of mine in the music school and told her about my love for church music. She said, “Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and learn all you can. You are teachable.” I have a gold painted rock on my desk that says, “Teachable” to remind me of that conversation. So, I immediately enrolled at Truett to earn a Master of Christian Ministry (MACM) degree with an emphasis in church music. I have always felt a call to serve in church ministry, but women were not encouraged to seek out this calling during my younger days. Truett is definitely giving women the “thumbs up” to serve even though we all know it can be difficult. I have been sitting on top of a gold mine all these years, and now I am diving in with both hands and feet.
Based on your experiences with Truett students, what is one piece of advice you would give to current or future students?
I can’t tell you how exciting this adventure is for me, and I am working hard to study alongside the other students while working full-time in the Office of Academic Services. The students at Truett and in the School of Music are very encouraging and serve as an inspiration to me. I don’t know exactly what God has in mind for me for the future, but I am looking forward to finding out. In terms of my own experiences and the advice I would give, I will admit there is a small element of fear involved with this decision. However, we should never limit ourselves because of age or physical limitations. Instead, we should remember this: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (II Timothy 1:6-7).