Meet Denisha Akpan

What are the responsibilities and tasks within your role as Coordinator of Recruitment?

My responsibilities and tasks include developing, implementing, and directing all recruitment management for Truett Seminary. Each member of my team is responsible for a particular area of recruitment. Those areas include campus visits, virtual visits, organizing and providing leadership for Preview events and orientations, inquiry and prospect communications, recruitment travel management, international recruitment management, Baylor student recruitment, and diversity and cultural engagement. I also provide leadership in recruitment strategies and approaches for the Sports Ministry Program, the newly launched Wesley House of Studies Program, and our up-and-coming Black Church Studies Program.

What made you decide to return to Truett as a staffer after your graduation from the seminary?

As a student, I loved my time studying in the classrooms and working in Student Services. I remember graduating and walking away thinking, “Will I ever find a healthier environment to learn and serve in?” That became my prayer—that God would lead me into a place that would affirm my gifts and allow me to be all God has called me to be, while simultaneously loving me enough to provide space for growth. My prayer was answered in a very unique way when I received the call about this position.

What has it been like to go from attending Truett as a student to now recruiting the next classes of seminarians?

I had humble beginnings as the front-desk student worker, answering and forwarding phone calls and helping plan student events. I worked my way up and became a part-time associate director of recruitment and had my first glimpse at recruiting the next classes of seminarians. Now, as the first African American female hired full-time on staff, I love the fact that I have worked in every position below me and can empathize with those I now supervise. I love being able to represent and speak into cultural shifts and occupy a space that has historically not been available for someone who looks like me. Recruiting the next classes of seminarians for Truett Seminary is a weighty job, but I have always thrived under pressure. I understand that without students there is no Truett Seminary. However, I see this job as a ministry, and I believe the pressure only makes me depend on the Holy Spirit even more daily.

What early successes have you experienced in recruitment efforts?

We have had quite a few early successes, such as the highest number of students attending our spring Preview events, doubling our last highest registered count. In recruitment, successful Preview Days typically indicate a successful incoming class. Consequently, we are excited about our fall 2021 class and the high percentage of growth.

What challenges do you see moving forward in recruiting students to pursue a seminary education?

The future challenges I see are the ways we desire to communicate and consume information. As Truett continues to expand in offerings and locations, we will need to stay alert on how we invest our time, energy, and resources while intentionally evaluating the return.

With Truett now spread across three campuses (Waco, Houston, San Antonio), how do recruitment efforts vary in these different regions?

Recruiting for the Waco, Houston, and San Antonio campuses certainly requires different approaches and strategies. I learned within the first three months on the job that I cannot mimic what we do here on the main campus in Waco for other campuses because the demographics of our target audience are different. I also learned that, although I believe in my personal capabilities and strengths, recruiting for three campuses requires good delegation skills. At the Waco campus, we primarily utilize social media, mailers, digital and print infographics, call lists, and drip marketing campaign emails to stay engaged with prospects and move them along the recruitment process. At the Houston and San Antonio campus, prospects are primarily those who live and work full time in the area and are seeking theological education as they continue to balance the demands of work and family. These students, I believe, thrive more so on stories, personal connections, and relationships.

Are there opportunities for alumni, church partners, or current Seminary students to assist with recruitment efforts?

Yes! I am in the process of building an alumni recruitment team with various offices at Truett to collaborate on ways we can partner with our past students who love Truett. Our alumni are some of the best recruiters, not just with their words and stories, but with their lives and ministries. Current students are always welcome to join us on the Student Recruitment Team (SRT) and help us at Previews, orientations, and by representing “Truett on the Road” at various conferences and events around the country.