Truett Grows in Size and Impact

The Fall 2024 semester will not only mark the beginning of another exciting academic year at Baylor, but it also will mark the 30th anniversary of Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. While Truett’s presence in Waco has built a three-decade legacy, the Seminary has expanded its reach to make a seminary degree more accessible to those called to ministry. That growth has taken root over the past year at both its Houston and San Antonio expansion campuses.  

Home in Houston

Since establishing the Houston campus in 2018, Truett has relied on partnerships with neighboring churches and the Baylor community to grow a vital and vibrant student body in the city. 

Seeking a more permanent home in Houston, Todd D. Still, B.A. ’88, Ph.D., dean of Truett Seminary, found a partner in Mark Lanier, a highly acclaimed civil trial lawyer, Baylor parent and supporter of Truett Seminary. 

Thanks to Mark and his wife Becky, Truett’s Houston campus now will be housed at the stunningly beautiful Lanier Theological Library following the completion of a newly constructed 38,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art learning center.

Located on the Laniers’ family property in northwest Houston, the Lanier Learning Center designates a devoted space for Truett Seminary Houston to train existing and future leaders with ample room to expand with additional anticipated growth. 

“It is difficult to imagine a more suitable facility or beautiful atmosphere for theological education than the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston,” Still said. “I am both overjoyed and overwhelmed by the generosity of Mark and Becky Lanier toward our school and am strongly convinced that this strategic move will enable Truett Houston to grow not only in size but also in impact.”

Solidifying Leadership in San Antonio

Launched in Fall 2021, Truett San Antonio calls Trinity Baptist Church its home. The program — which began with four students and has since nearly quadrupled in size — continues to connect students to partner churches, the city and each other.

Truett San Antonio now looks to continue its growth, welcoming Joe Rangel, Ph.D., as its first full-time director for the extension campus.

“When we launched Truett San Antonio in 2021, we were prayerful and hopeful that this needed initiative in theological education would gain traction over time,” Still said. “Through the good work and goodwill of so many — not least our Acting Director Keith Bruce, B.A. ’75, and Trinity Baptist Church — our San Antonio campus has grown appreciably. We are convinced that Dr. Rangel is the person to lead Truett San Antonio energetically and effectively.”

To learn more about Truett Seminary, visit https://truettseminary.baylor.edu.