Baylor’s Truett Seminary Recognizes First PhD in Preaching Graduate

Truett Seminary was pleased to recognize its first PhD in Preaching graduate at its spring 2025 commencement ceremony held at First Baptist Church, Waco, on Friday, May 16th. 

The PhD in Preaching—offered through the Baylor University Graduate School and housed within Truett Seminary—is the only doctoral program in preaching rooted in the free-church tradition at a major research university. Designed for both academic and pastoral leaders, the program equips students to contribute meaningfully to the field of homiletics and to the local church.

The first graduate of the program, Daniel Gregory entered the program in 2019 as a part of the first cohort. Gregory recently began to serve as the English pastor at the Chinese Church of Iowa City, Iowa. His graduation marks a significant milestone for a program that continues to grow in number and impact.

The future of the PhD in Preaching program at Truett appears bright, as it continues to expand in enrollment. There are currently 18 students enrolled, reflecting growing interest and momentum. This spring the program also received formal accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which affirmed its academic excellence and strong institutional support.

This spring also marked a transition in program leadership. The program’s inaugural director, Scott M. Gibson, DPhil, who delivered the address at this year’s spring commencement, is retiring. 

Gibson served as the inaugural program director, as well as professor of preaching. He was integral in shaping the vision and curriculum of the program. Beginning January 1, 2025, Matthew D. Kim, PhD, assumed the role of director of the PhD in Preaching program.

As Truett Seminary celebrates this significant academic hallmark in its short, yet storied, history, it also celebrates 42 master’s and Doctor of Ministry graduates. With 1,900+ alumni serving in 44 states and 22 countries and territories and a growing student body, the Seminary remains committed and eager to continue its mission of equipping God-called men and women for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.