Published on January 30, 2019 by Andrew Russell  
Fuller Tom

Beeson Divinity School’s Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program will now focus exclusively on Christian Preaching, a shift determined by a yearlong program evaluation by Beeson faculty. Tom Fuller, who served as the director of the D.Min. program from 2000-2007, is returning as director. 

Fuller, an ordained Baptist minister, served as pastor of churches in Indiana and Alabama for 13 years before joining Samford University’s divinity school in 2000. A recognized leader in the fields of theological field education and assessment of student learning outcomes, Fuller transitioned from director of the D.Min. program to director of ministry leadership development, placement and assessment at Beeson Divinity School in 2007. In his new role, Fuller will serve as the director of ministry studies, which will include both the D.Min. program and ministry leadership development, placement and assessment.

Fuller contributes regularly to scholarly discussions through his research, speaking and writing. He has served in leadership capacities for the Association for Theological Field Education and the Evangelical Association of Theological Field Educators and presently serves on the editorial board for the international journal Christian Higher Education. Fuller is a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, Ala., and continues to serve churches through consulting, supply preaching and interim pastoral service.

“This work is essential to Beeson’s mission of preparing pastors who can preach, and Dr. Fuller brings to these integrated roles years of experience in pastoral ministry and theological education at Beeson,” said Grant Taylor, Beeson’s associate dean for academic affairs. “I’m honored to work with him to continue strengthening our people and programs so that, in turn, we may strengthen many pastors and churches for God’s glory.”

The decision of Beeson Divinity administration and faculty to focus solely on Christian Preaching arose from the overwhelming popularity of the Christian Preaching track in the previous D.Min. curriculum coupled with the school’s commitment to prepare pastors who can preach the Word of God faithfully.

“With a singular focus, a revised curriculum and a world-class faculty, I believe we are offering one of the highest quality Doctor of Ministry programs in the nation,” Fuller said.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.