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Lexington Theological Seminary

Lexington, KY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1865
Founded
Private
Type
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Charisse L. Gillett

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lexington Theological Seminary

A historic seminary pioneering accessible theological education for diverse leaders.

Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS) offers a unique and accessible path for individuals called to ministry, standing as a beacon of theological education with roots stretching back to 1836. What began as the Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College, evolving through affiliations with Kentucky University and Transylvania University, officially became Lexington Theological Seminary in 1965, marking a century of dedicated service. Today, LTS is particularly known for its innovative approach to theological training, embracing flexibility to meet the needs of a diverse student body.

At the heart of LTS's academic strength is its accredited Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, designed with today's students in mind. Recognizing the demands on aspiring ministers, the seminary pioneered a new model in 2010, offering up to two-thirds of its required classes online. This program uniquely integrates rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on ministry experience, requiring students to be placed with an accountable ministry site by the time they earn six credit hours and dedicating 10 hours per week to this crucial experiential learning.

This innovative online format, complemented by intensive, on-campus sessions, empowers students to pursue their degree at their own pace, or complete it in a focused three years of full-time study. The commitment to a flexible, yet deeply integrated, curriculum ensures that students not only gain profound theological knowledge but also develop practical skills essential for effective leadership in today's world. LTS is not just educating ministers; it's shaping leaders who are ready to serve diverse communities with compassion and competence.

Further highlighting its progressive vision, LTS made history in 2011 by naming Dr. Charisse L. Gillett as its president. She is the first woman and first African-American to hold this esteemed position, underscoring the seminary's dedication to inclusive leadership and reflecting the rich diversity it seeks to cultivate within its community and beyond. This commitment to forward-thinking education and leadership makes LTS a compelling choice for anyone seeking a transformative theological journey.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1865, with academic roots extending back to 1836, making it one of the oldest theological institutions.
  • Pioneered a flexible Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program in 2010, offering up to two-thirds of coursework online.
  • M.Div. program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and requires 78 credit hours.
  • Integrates practical ministry through a required 10-hour weekly placement at an accountable ministry site.
  • Led by Dr. Charisse L. Gillett, the first woman and first African-American president in the seminary's history since 2011.
  • Recognized by the Kentucky Legislature in 2015 for its 150-year tenure in the Commonwealth.

Timeline

1836
Roots began as the Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College.
1865
Relocated to Lexington, merged with Transylvania University, and the College of the Bible was formed within Kentucky University.
1878
The College of the Bible received its own charter, separating from what would become the University of Kentucky.
1950
Moved from the Transylvania University campus to its own facility on South Limestone Street.
1965
Changed its name to Lexington Theological Seminary on its centennial.
2010
Launched a new Master of Divinity program with significant online components and practical ministry requirements.
2011
Dr. Charisse L. Gillett became the first woman and first African-American president.
2013
University of Kentucky purchased the LTS campus, leading to the seminary relocating to a smaller facility.
2015
The Kentucky Legislature recognized LTS with a resolution for its 150-year tenure.
🏛️
161 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Charisse L. Gillett
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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