New Student Orientation to “Ignite, Guide, and Transform” Incoming Class

This year’s incoming class, ranging in age from 21 to 60, comes from 10 states, 3 countries, 32 undergraduate colleges and universities, and represent 17 denominations. Half of the class is female and over forty percent identify as ethnic minority.

Orientation Coordinators, Abby Pratt (MDiv ’14) and Sarah Stitt (MDiv ’15), recognize the importance of Orientation for new students. “We have made every effort to think of all the things entering students will want to know going into their first year of theological education. We hope, as they begin classes, they have a greater sense of place and a clearer picture of what their first year of divinity school will be like.”

Shonda Jones, associate dean of admissions and student services, is excited about what this year’s incoming class will bring to the community. “We look forward to guiding them along this journey in anticipation of what they will offer the School of Divinity,” she says, “and what we will be able to offer them throughout their theological education as they prepare to transform the communities and congregations they will eventually serve.”

Orientation begins with a welcome dinner on Wednesday evening, giving new students the opportunity to meet one another, faculty, staff, current students, and their families. Official programming begins on Thursday morning with presentations and workshops on the curriculum, resources for study, and activities that will keep students engaged in the classroom and beyond.

Complete information and details about New Student Orientation, including the schedule and resources for transitioning to the University and city of Winston-Salem, are available on the orientation website.

Media Contact: Mark Batten