Paul E. Putz Named Assistant Professor and Endowed Chair at Baylor’s Truett Seminary

WACO, Texas (April 17, 2026) — Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today that Paul E. Putz, PhD, director of the Faith & Sports Institute and program director of the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies, has been named assistant professor of Christianity and sports. Additionally, Putz will occupy the Harold and Dottie Riley Chair and will serve as director of the Sports Chaplaincy and Ministry Program.

“I am delighted that Dr. Paul E. Putz is joining the faculty of Baylor’s Truett Seminary,” said Dean Todd D. Still, PhD. “Over the sweep of his time at Truett, Paul has served ably and admirably in various roles even as he has increasingly established himself as a thought leader, accomplished author, and sought-after commentator on Christianity, sports, and culture. The varied programs we offer at Truett at the intersection of faith and sports are distinct, and Dr. Putz is uniquely qualified to teach, research, and serve at a Seminary embedded into a Christian R-1 University that plays Power Four athletics.”         

Regarding the appointment, Putz remarked, “I know from firsthand experience that Truett is a special place. It is truly an honor to join the faculty and to serve our students in this new way alongside a world-class group of scholars who care deeply about the Church. I believe sports occupy a unique place in our society, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Christians to love God, serve our neighbors, and develop to our fullest potential. I am grateful for the opportunity to take this next step in my academic career and to more fully connect the study of sports and Christianity with all that Truett and Baylor has to offer.”

Putz holds a PhD in history from Baylor University, a MA from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and a BS from Grace University. During his seven years at Truett, he has developed and launched the Faith & Sports Institute’s Online Certificate Program, which has enrolled more than 225 students worldwide; led out in the creation of the MA in Theology and Sports Studies, Truett’s first fully online degree; strengthened collaboration with Baylor Athletics through a grant focused on faith-based character formation and college sports; and served as conference director for the fourth Global Congress on Sports and Christianity, hosted by Truett in 2025.

An award-winning scholar, Putz’s first book, The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports (Oxford University Press, 2024), was awarded the Brewer Prize from the American Society of Church History, which honors a work of outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author. It also won the Guittard Prize, which celebrates the highest quality scholarship in the field of history published by faculty and graduates of the Baylor History Department. His forthcoming book, Jesus and James Naismith: A History of Basketball and Christianity from Origins to the NBA, is scheduled for release in 2027.

Andrew Parker, PhD, professor of Sports Ministry, Ridley Hall, Cambridge, UK, remarked, “The appointment of Dr. Paul Putz will secure Truett Seminary’s position at the forefront of higher educational provision in this area. Paul’s professionalism and scholarly prowess has already had a significant impact on the field, and his appointment is certain to generate excitement across the global sports ministry community.”

Alongside his faculty appointment, Putz will continue to lead the Faith & Sports Institute, maintaining the momentum of its growing programs and global reach.

Learn more about Truett’s Faith and Sports Institute.