Podcast Points: Celebrating 30 Years of Truett Seminary

This year, Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary celebrates its 30th anniversary. Todd Still, Ph.D., The Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and holder of The William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary, joined the weekly Baylor Connections podcast for a conversation about the seminary’s mission, present growth and the vision for Truett’s future. 

Podcast Points with Todd Still, Ph.D.  

Identity & Mission

• Truett Seminary is dedicated to preparing students specifically for gospel ministry. Truett is characterized by rigorous academic standards, spiritual formation and a caring community that provides a supportive environment where both men and women are trained for ministry.
• “Truett understands herself to be an integral part of Baylor’s Pro Ecclesia, and we are of, by and for the church,” Still said.  
• OneTruett, Truett’s strategic plan, focuses on continuing to illuminate distinctive characteristics like intentional spiritual formation, small class size, humility, leadership and service to bridge the gap between Truett’s past and future. 

Lasting Growth  

• Over the past 30 years, Truett Seminary has grown significantly, broadening its academic offerings to meet the needs of modern ministry. Beginning with a single Master of Divinity program, Truett now offers multiple degrees and dual programs to support diverse pathways in ministry  
• “The proliferation of degrees, not simply to have additional degrees, but to meet the needs of students and churches, that’s a real difference from inception,” Still said. 

Vision for the Future 

• Looking to the future, Still believes that Truett will continue to pursue accessible, affordable degrees, create additional study sites, invest in students and expand scholarships to ensure that a Truett Seminary education is a possibility for more students.  
• “I think that we will continue to lean into our commitments and to our identity. And, as we do that, I think that Truett will continue to flourish,” Still said.

LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION  

Listen to the full conversation with Todd Still on the Baylor Connections podcast.  

ABOUT BAYLOR CONNECTIONS 

Baylor Connections with host Derek Smith goes in depth each week with Baylor leaders, professors and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research and student life. Baylor Connections airs on Fridays at 11 a.m. CT on KWBU 103.3FM in Waco. The podcast also is available online or by subscribing to Baylor Connections on iTunes. 

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. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.