SEBTS Enrollment Reaches 8-year High

figures nearly double in 2 years                                                                                                              Vol. VIII, No. 2, February 1995

Wake Forest, NC – Predicted by few and unexpected by many, interest in Southeastern is apparently matched by a growth rate not, currently seen anywhere among theological institutions in the US or the world. With a curriculum revitalized to reflect a classical theological education, and the addition of other attractive programs, SEBTS' s numerical growth is skyrocketing.

 Enrollment at Southeastern continued its upward climb this fall, jumping 32.7% in one year. The 914 students now attending represent the largest enrollment in eight years. Since the conservative shift in the seminary's administration in 1992, student body enrollment has virtually doubled.

Southeastern remains the fourth largest SBC seminary; and according to the latest information from the Association of Theological Schools, SEBTS appears to be the fastest growing seminary in the US. The school's fall student count swelled by 226 students. This compares to an increase of 60 students during 1993 fall registration.

President Patterson said the dramatic increase could only be attributed to the hand of God: "The growth in enrollment as well as the rapid expansion of academic programs is a clear affirmation that God is blessing our efforts here. "

Patterson, who succeeded Lewis Drummond as president in the summer of 1992, is determined to keep the seminary focused on equipping men and women to fulfill the calling God has placed upon their lives: "I am very pleased with the growing number of students entering Southeastern for academic study, but I am even more elated with the spiritual growth occurring on our campus. We continue to believe that from Southeastern will come the fire which ignites a revival that will sweep the nation's East Coast"

Registrar Sheldon Alexander said the enrollment increase was broad-based across the seminary's degree programs. "We expect nothing but a continued upward spiral in enrollment, especially in light of Southeastern's new degree programs," Alexander said. "The new curriculum's emphasis on classical theological education has proven to be an attraction for students. There was a large percentage of students transferring from other seminaries again this fall." The fervor for classical theological training is further noted as 94 students enrolled for courses at Southeastern's three new extension centers located in Augusta, GA; Charlotte, NC; and Norfolk, VA.

Alexander noted the student body represents 36 different states of the union and 17 foreign countries. He said, "We have a student body that is culturally diverse but is united in their love for the Lord."

[Reprinted from Outlook, SEBTS Magazine, Winter 1994.]