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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 flexible online theological education for future ministry leaders.

Lexington Theological Seminary, with roots stretching back to 1836, stands as a venerable institution dedicated to preparing individuals for Christian ministry. What began as a Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College evolved through affiliations with Kentucky University and Transylvania University, eventually becoming the independent College of the Bible in 1878. On its centennial in 1965, the institution proudly adopted its current name, Lexington Theological Seminary, signifying its enduring legacy in theological education.

Today, LTS is distinguished by its innovative approach to theological training. Responding to the needs of modern students, the seminary launched a pioneering Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program in 2010, integrating extensive online learning with intensive on-campus experiences. This flexible model allows students to pursue their calling while accommodating diverse life circumstances, making quality theological education accessible to a broader audience.

Academic strength at LTS lies in its commitment to practical, ministry-focused education. The M.Div. program, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), uniquely requires students to be actively engaged in an accountable ministry site. This hands-on experience ensures that theoretical knowledge is directly applied, preparing graduates not just with academic credentials but with real-world skills and spiritual formation essential for effective leadership in the church and wider community. The seminary also made history in 2011 by naming Dr. Charisse L. Gillett as its first woman and first African-American president, underscoring its progressive spirit and inclusive values.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1865, with institutional roots dating back to 1836 as the Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College.
  • ✦Pioneered an innovative Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program in 2010, offering up to two-thirds of required classes online.
  • ✦M.Div. program requires students to complete 10 hours per week with an accountable ministry site after earning six credit hours.
  • ✦Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), ensuring high standards of theological education.
  • ✦Dr. Charisse L. Gillett became the first woman and first African-American president in the seminary's history in 2011.
  • ✦Recognized by the Kentucky Legislature in 2015 for its 150-year tenure in the Commonwealth.

Timeline

1836
Began as the Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College.
1858
Bacon College rechartered as Kentucky University; department expanded.
1865
College of the Bible formed within Kentucky University following relocation to Lexington.
1878
College of the Bible received its own charter, separating from Kentucky University.
1950
Moved to its campus at 631 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.
2011
Dr. Charisse L. Gillett named first woman and African-American president.
2013
University of Kentucky purchased LTS campus; seminary moved to a smaller facility.
2015
Kentucky Legislature recognized LTS's 150-year tenure with a resolution.
🏛️
161 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Charisse L. Gillett
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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