Truett Seminary Celebrates 30 Years of Theological Education
WACO, Texas (August 29, 2024) - Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary celebrated the Seminary’s 30th Anniversary on Tuesday, August 27. On this momentous occasion, members of Baylor University, Truett Seminary, and its supporters honored the Seminary’s history, recognized its ongoing efforts, and envisioned a hopeful future dedicated to preparing the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders.
The celebration kicked off during the opening Convocation service held at First Baptist Waco—the original location of Truett’s classes before moving to its current building at Baylor University. At this service J. Bradly Creed, PhD, second dean of Truett Seminary, reflected on its early years; Linda A. Livingstone, PhD, president of Baylor University, emphasized Truett’s impact on Baptist life, Baylor University, and the global community; and Todd D. Still, PhD, current dean of Truett Seminary, offered insights into the Seminary’s future impact.
Following the service, 500 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters gathered at the Paula and Mark Hurd Welcome Center for a special presentation, including a blessing from Jeff Schmeltekopf, chair of Truett’s Board of Advocates; a welcome from Nancy Brickhouse, PhD, provost of Baylor University; and the presentation of the Inaugural Russell H. Dilday Endowed Visiting Professorship in Baptist Life and Leadership to Alan Lefever, PhD, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection and adjunct professor at Truett Seminary.
The celebration concluded with an open house at Truett’s Baugh-Reynolds Campus where participants enjoyed a behind the scene tour of Truett Seminary's offices and classrooms, and engaged with students, staff, and faculty.
In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, Truett Seminary established the OneTruett Endowed Fund for Student, Faculty, and Staff Support. Aimed to offer timely and necessary support for those who study and serve at Truett, students, faculty, and staff will all be able to apply for OneTruettfunding which will undergird and extend their work in both the Church and the academy. Additionally, this fund will offer further financial support to current Truett students who encounter unanticipated expenses while pursuing their seminary studies.
Learn more about becoming a OneTruett Partner https://bit.ly/3xj0aMI.
The Storied History of Truett Seminary:
On August 28, 1994, Truett Seminary began its first day of class with fifty-one students alongside faculty. Initially housed on the second floor of the B.H. Carroll Education Building at First Baptist Church Waco, the group commenced this historic occasion with a Convocation service, heralding the beginning of a new era in theological education at Baylor University.
Key events that have impacted the last thirty years of Truett Seminary include (alongside so many others):
July 24, 1990: Baylor University officially reserved with the Secretary of State of Texas the name “George W. Truett Theological Seminary”.
August 28, 1994: Truett Seminary held class for the first time at First Baptist Waco.
1997: Truett Seminary held its first graduation with 30 students.
2002: Truett Seminary moved from First Baptist Church Waco to the Baugh-Reynolds campus at Baylor University.
2006: The Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching began at Truett Seminary.
2014: The Center for Ministry Effectiveness was moved to Truett Seminary from Baylor University.
2015: Truett Seminary launched the Online Certificate Program.
2018: Truett in Houston opened its doors at Tallowood Baptist Church.
2019: The Truett Church Network was formed, and the PhD in Preaching program welcomed its first cohort of students.
2020: The Black Church Studies and the Wesley House of Studies programs officially launched.
2021: The Program for the Future Church began, and Truett in San Antonio opened its doors at Trinity Baptist Church.
August 2021: Truett Seminary introduced new MAs (MACWI, MATSS, MATEFJ).
August 2023: Truett in Houston found a permanent home at the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center.
Find the full timeline of Truett’s past here.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition embedded into Baylor, a Christian R1 University. Truett’s mission is to equip God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and PhD in Preaching. In addition to a number of distinctive programs, institutes, and centers, Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. Besides its flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has locations in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.