Truett News
Angela H. Reed, PhD, Named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
On August 1, 2021, Angela H. Reed, PhD began her role as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, following the transition of W. Dennis Tucker, Jr., PhD.
Tucker served as Truett’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2007 to 2014 and then again from 2018 onward. During these years of service, Tucker oversaw the introduction of new joint degree programs, assisted in the launch of the Seminary’s Houston campus, contributed to a number of grant awards, and faithfully and effectively directed the Seminary’s academic services office.
Reed joined the Truett faculty in 2010 and, in addition to her new Associate Dean Role, serves as Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Spiritual Formation, in addition to leading the Seminary’s two-year Spiritual Direction Training Program.
“After having served skillfully and sacrificially for a second term as our seminary’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tucker has chosen to relinquish these considerable administrative responsibilities so that he might focus more fully on teaching, research, and writing within our school. Meanwhile, Dr. Reed, an admired professor, spiritual director, and able administrator both within and beyond the Truett community, has graciously accepted my invitation to serve in this strategic leadership role,” said Dean Todd D. Still, PhD “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Reed in serving our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends even as I continue to appreciate, admire, and give thanks for the thoughtful, careful work that Dr. Tucker has done over many years to ensure and enhance the academic quality and reputation of our seminary. That one seminary would be blessed with two such capable people is a ‘double portion.’”
Truett Launches “The Program for the Future Church”
Truett Seminary announced in July 2021 the formation of a new initiative, “The Program for the Future Church,” under the direction of Angela Gorrell, PhD, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, and Dustin Benac, ThD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow.
The Program for the Future Church will provide a hub for collaborative development at the intersection of practical theology with engagement among scholars from a wide variety of disciplines—religion, sociology, social work, psychology, entrepreneurship, the arts, and more—tasked with examining and constructively engaging the challenges that confront people of faith, those who lead them, and those who educate ministry leaders. Through contextually centered research, the Program will focus its efforts through four pillars: leadership, youth and emerging adults, pedagogy, and lived experience.
Acting as a “visible bridge” between Truett and the Church, the Program for the Future Church will create space and structure for existing efforts and initiatives at the Seminary, working alongside programs like the Truett Church Network to strengthen and support what is already working well. The Program will also seek to create sustainable and consistent feedback systems to help in understanding the needs of the Church, and importantly, the future Church.
Learn more about the Program for the Future Church
New Seminary Staff Welcomed
Following a number of retirements and transitions, Truett Seminary welcomed several new staff members in 2020-2021.
- September 2020 – Nancy Plotts, Assistant to the Dean
- September 2020 – Audrey Yadon, Coordinator of Enrollment Management
- October 2020 – Dustin Benac, Visiting Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Co-Director of the Program for the Future Church, and Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow
- January 2021 – Denisha Akpan, Coordinator of Recruitment
- May 2021 – Kareen Ousley, Administrative Assistant for the Doctor of Ministry Program
- May 2021 – Evan Taddia, Financial Manager
- June 2021 – Arbra Bailey, Director of Houston
- July 2021 – Keith Bruce, Acting Director of San Antonio
- August 2021 – Jenn Ayala-Martinez, Office Manage
N.T. Wright Leads First Summer Intensive
After a year of delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Truett Seminary was finally able to host the Summer Intensive with N.T. Wright in June 2021. Held at First Baptist Church Waco and hosted alongside N.T. Wright Online, the event attracted pastors, scholars, and laypeople from around the state and across the country.
Though pandemic travel restrictions prevented Professor Wright from attending in person, technology allowed him to teach live for three days on the book of Galatians. Attendees left the event with heads full of new and expanded knowledge and hearts encouraged by the gathering of faithful students of Scripture.
Next year’s Summer Intensive with N.T. Wright has been scheduled for June 5-8, 2022 and will focus on “Romans 8: The Son, the Spirit, and the New Creation.”
Remembering Dr. William "Billy " J. Abraham
1947 – 2021
Even as we mourn the unexpected passing of Dr. William “Billy” J. Abraham, the Truett Family celebrates a beautiful life of ministry and faith. As the inaugural director of the Wesley House of Studies, Dr. Abraham shepherded in a new era for Truett as a seminary enthusiastically willing and able to equip Wesleyan students for ministry within their given denominations. A gifted teacher, prolific author, and faithful minister, Dr. Abraham’s presence on the Truett campus was one of profound impact that will only continue to influence the future of the Wesley House and that of Baylor’s Truett Seminary.