Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Greetings from Garrett-Evangelical! I write to express the enthusiasm we have for the preparation of men and women for ministry at the seminary. This, of course, begins with our student body. Each year we see extraordinary persons choosing to attend Garrett-Evangelical in one of our many programs.

The school continues to offer several degree options: M.Div., M.A., M.T.S., Ph.D. and D.Min. (More information about these programs is available on this website.) We also offer several certificate programs and a Basic Graduate Theological Studies certificate. The school also has a vibrant Course of Study program for persons who are serving as United Methodist Local Pastors. Please look specifically at the new curriculum for our D.Min. program and the new concentrations in the M.Div. degree.

The seminary has responded to the recent economic downturn by making several significant commitments to our students. We have increased our scholarship resources and are providing more distance learning courses beginning in the fall of 2010. We are making technological upgrades to many of our classrooms, so that courses can be web-cast or simulcast to other locations.

The most significant facilities improvement will begin this summer at Loder Hall. This dramatic renovation will provide a new student center and greatly improved housing. The student center will have lounges, bookstore, a classroom, cafeteria and coffee shop. There will be thirty private rooms with baths to be used for student housing during the year and special events at other times. We are also renovating Lesemann Hall with space for study areas, a seminar room, and offices for the library and the Stead Center for Ethics and Values. Last year we purchased Seabury-Western Theological Seminary's book collection and added over 23,500 linear feet of compact shelving space, making the collection now owned solely by Garrett-Evangelical one of the largest theological libraries in the nation.

In the fall of 2010 we will celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience. This will be marked by events throughout the year, beginning with Dr. James Cone bringing the address at our Opening Convocation on September 15. Throughout the coming year there are remarkable opportunities for learning in our regularly scheduled classes and real-time webcasts of dozens of the lectures and worship services. You can find out more about these learning possibilities by visiting our website's homepage.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is blessed with a great heritage and a strong future. Please let us know if there are ways we can work with you as we continue to seek to be a seminary for the church and the world. Thank you for your prayers and gifts toward our work.

Phil Amerson
President