From the President’s Desk

An Enduring Mission & Purpose

Since 1812, Princeton Theological Seminary has stood like a tree planted beside living waters.

Generations have drawn from this same stream. Disciplines of prayer, study, worship, and service have carried this Seminary through wars and awakenings, economic precarity and bounty, as well as moments of social upheaval and progress.

Princeton Seminary has endured for 213 years not because we followed every current of culture. Nor has the Seminary strived because its leaders have always been flawless in judgment. But rather, since its founding, Princeton has been rooted in a clear mission and purpose. The critical study of scripture, the slow but steady work of faith seeking understanding, is rooted in an abiding belief in God and informed by the speculative and philosophical insights of God’s people.

These roots are the source of our strength that allows this learning community to stretch outward through its people as we all seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

A Growing Student Body

This fall, we welcome our largest entering class in six years. Applications tell the story: MDiv applications increased by 50 percent, MTS by 51 percent, and ThM by 33 percent. Domestic MDiv applications rose by 20 percent, directly shaping the size of this year’s incoming MDiv class.

The most dramatic growth has come in the MA-Hybrid program, which has doubled in enrollment since last year. More than three-quarters of these new students are students of color, and many bring professional experience from law, journalism, higher education, finance, and beyond. Their presence broadens our reach and enriches our collective life of study and service.

CRW Move-In Day brought neighbors together in community.

At Brown Hall, students moving in were welcomed by peers and found their first moments of connection.

Incoming students had an opportunity to gather at Springdale for a reception.

Incoming students gathering at the Springdale reception.

Afe Adogame, the Maxwell M. Upson Professor of Religion and Society, was the mace-bearer for Opening Convocation.

Kenda Creasy Dean, the Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture, at Opening Convocation.

Following Opening Convocation, incoming students enjoyed a welcome dinner with faculty and staff.

Opening Week wrapped up with Seminaryfest, offering food, fellowship, and fun on the Quad for all students, faculty, staff, and their families.

New Faces in the Faculty

We welcome five extraordinary new faculty members this academic year:

• Dr. Mahri Leonard-Fleckman and Dr. Brennan Breed, Associate Professors of Old Testament.
• Dr. Mélena “Mae” Laudig, Assistant Professor of African American Christianity.
• Dr. Shalon Park, Assistant Professor of Asian Christianity.
• Dr. Simon Unger, arriving this spring as Assistant Professor of Modern European History.

These colleagues embody what this Seminary holds dear: innovative research, generous pedagogy, and a passion for forming leaders for the church, academy, and world.

The Inaugural Lecture of Dr. Hanna Reichel is on Wednesday, October 1

In welcoming our new students this year, I told them they were in the right place at the right time. Princeton Seminary is a place where our faith relentlessly pursues a better understanding. They will encounter ideas that challenge accepted dogmas and unsettle easy certainties. Students will discover that God calls in surprising ways and through unexpected people. And students will extend the deliberate, sometimes slow, yet always vital work of growing spiritually deeper while stretching out farther.

This year, may we grow deeper and reach farther together. For the river that has sustained this Seminary since 1812 is still flowing. And its waters are for the healing of the nations.

Welcome home to Princeton Seminary. Let us make this a year of being deeply rooted and boldly reaching.

One Luv,

Jonathan Lee Walton
PRESIDENT

“The love of God and the love of humanity are one love”—Benjamin Elijah Mays