Southwestern Seminary President Dockery notes ‘much hopefulness’ in annual employee meeting

FORT WORTH, Texas — Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is set to begin a new academic year “with a sense of great thanksgiving, much hopefulness, [and] overall good spirit across the campus,” President David S. Dockery said during an Aug. 5 annual gathering of all seminary personnel.

During the meeting, numerous staff members were recognized for five-year anniversaries, including 25-years for New Testament Professor Jim Wicker and 35 years for Registrar Karen Gilstrap, who received standing ovations, while four individuals were awarded staff member of the year honors.

Dockery noted stable enrollment, increased giving, elimination of both short- and long-term debt, and the return to full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) during the annual meeting of seminary employees, calling it an “amazing place for us to be. God has blessed us, and we are so, so thankful.”

“‘The Lord has done good things among us, and we’re filled with joy,’” Dockery said, quoting Psalm 126:3, the seminary’s verse chosen for the new academic year. “Let me encourage you to think about it and reflect upon it often and join us in thanking God for His wonderful kindness to us.”

He also noted the “genuinely positive spirit of support” from alumni, church leaders, denominational leaders, donors, and friends, adding, “We’re so thankful for the renewed commitment to Southwestern that is here.”

Reflecting on the seminary’s four straight years of “steady and faithful” enrollment growth, Dockery noted that in 2022, the seminary’s enrollment was 3,403. “Now we’re right around 3,650, so that’s a good place for us to be, and very hopeful about moving forward as we head into the fall,” he said.

Dockery also shared positive financial news for the seminary, noting that unrestricted giving reached nearly $3.8 million for the past year.

Dockery also highlighted projects completed over the summer, including renovations to Truett Auditorium, an historic building where the meeting was held and where chapel services will take place when the new semester begins. Ongoing projects include improvements to the Recreation and Aerobics Center, the ongoing Campus Modernization Initiative project, which Dockery called not just a technology project, but an institutional project, the updated Advance Southwestern: 2030 strategic plan, and more.

While the seminary no longer faces sanctions from SACSCOC, a regularly scheduled five-year report to the accrediting agency is due in the spring, he said. A five-year report also is due to the Association of Theological Schools and a 10-year reaffirmation for National Association of Schools of Music accreditation for the School of Church Music and Worship.

“So another full year of accreditation matters, but different than before, and we approach these with a great sense of hopefulness,” Dockery said.

In addition to the anniversaries of Wicker and Gilstrap, the seminary recognized other faculty and staff members celebrating quinquennial (five-year) anniversaries this past year.

Those honored for five years of service were Andrew Jennings, assistant professor of philosophy of religion and apologetics; Ashley Allen, chief of staff, president’s office, and associate professor of educational ministries; Blake McKinney, assistant professor of history and humanities; Doupiak Vualnam, painter lead, Facilities; Jimbob Brown, director of audio-visual production, Communications; Jonathan Okinaga, assistant professor of biblical counseling; Kevin Dodson, human resources manager; Savannah Cheatham, lead graphics designer, Communications; Matthew Tucker, senior associate vice president for Campus Technology; Richard MacLean, lead developer, Campus Technology; Ronald Massey, safety coordinator; Stephanie Litton, assistant vice president for Student Services and Student Success and assistant professor of educational leadership, Texas Baptist College; and Zachary Hall, auto shop and plant services supervisor, Facilities.

Recognition for 10 years of service was presented to Jeffrey Bingham, research professor of historical theology; Hyunkyung “Michelle” Park, office assistant, Facilities Maintenance; Jonathan Turner, CRM administrator, Campus Technology; Larry Buck, paint and carpentry supervisor, Facilities; Nathan Burggraff, associate professor of music theory; and Robert Bourcier, accounting supervisor, Business Administration.

Staff member of the year honors were presented to Alex Miller, director, Student Life; Matt Bennett, project manager, Campus Technology; Larry Buck, paint and carpentry supervisor, Facilities; and Melana Hunt Monroe, director of prayer ministries.