Truett Houston Appoints Lecturer in Christian Scriptures
WACO, Texas (May 5, 2026) — Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today that Chris Kugler, PhD, has been appointed as lecturer in Christian Scriptures at Truett’s campus in Houston. This appointment marks the first faculty position based at Truett Houston.
“The appointment of Dr. Chris Kugler as lecturer in Christian Scriptures at Truett Houston is welcome news on at least two fronts,” said Todd D. Still, dean of Truett Seminary. “On the one hand, Dr. Kugler is eminently qualified for this post, which is to be celebrated in its own right; on the other hand, he is the first full-time professor at Truett’s campus in Houston. Already a well-known, beloved instructor at our Houston site, Dr. Kugler’s thoughtful, pastoral presence on a day in and day out basis will strengthen further our growing work at the incomparable Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center. The phrase ‘double blessing’ seems altogether apropos.”
Kugler holds a PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of St Andrews, a ThM from Duke University, a MLitt from University of St Andrews, and a BA from Lee University. He previously pastored in a variety of churches and taught at Houston Christian University and Keble College at the University of Oxford. Most recently, Kugler served as an adjunct instructor at Truett Houston. He is the author of Paul and the Image of God and Heaven, Hell, and Hope.
In response to this announcement, Kugler stated, "It is with a great sense of gratitude and excitement that I take up the appointment of lecturer in Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary’s campus in Houston. To serve, to teach, and to research alongside Truett colleagues is a dream; to do so at the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center—one might be forgiven for thinking—is almost a fantasy. I am grateful to join this work, and I hopeful that we have exciting days ahead."
Steve Turley, PhD, director of Truett Houston, said, “The hire of Dr. Kugler is a milestone for Truett Houston. It marks a significant breakthrough in nine years’ work to provide world-class, residential-style theological education in metropolitan Houston. Dr. Kugler brings pastoral skill and deep expertise in Scripture and biblical languages, which allows Truett Houston to sustain its rapid growth. Our students and I both are thrilled to bring Dr. Kugler full-time into our community!"
N.T. Wright, senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, emeritus professor at University of St Andrews, and formerly Bishop of Durham, said, “I congratulate Truett on appointing Chris Kugler to do what he is eminently qualified for, namely to shape and excite the next generation of pastors and teachers with the powerful message of the New Testament. Just as it was a privilege and a delight for me to have Chris as one of my research students some years ago, so it will be a privilege and a delight for Truett students to have him as their professor.”
Learn more about Truett Houston.
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.