Wake Forest University School of Divinity Appoints Rev. Dr. J. Michael Tennial, MDiv ’13 as Admissions and Enrollment Counselor
Winston-Salem, NC — Wake Forest University School of Divinity is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. J. Michael Tennial (M.Div. ’13) as Admissions and Enrollment Counselor. In this role, Dr. Tennial will leverage his extensive experience in ministry and higher education to guide prospective students through the admissions process and support their discernment journey into theological education.

Dr. Tennial is a distinguished alumnus of the School of Divinity, having earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2013. He brings a wealth of experience to this position, having served in various ministry and educational settings. His appointment reflects the School’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of faith leaders dedicated to justice, reconciliation, and compassion.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tennial back to Wake Divinity in this pivotal role,” said Dean and Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities Corey D. B. Walker. “His deep understanding of our community and mission, combined with his passion for supporting students, will be invaluable as we continue to cultivate a vibrant and diverse graduate student body.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Tennial shared, “Returning to Wake Divinity is both a professional honor and a personal joy. This community helped shape my calling, and I am excited to now walk alongside others as they discern their own paths of purpose and service. My hope is to create space where every prospective student feels seen, supported, and inspired.”
In his new position, Dr. Tennial will collaborate closely with the Admissions and Student Services team to provide personalized guidance to prospective students, helping them navigate the admissions process and explore how Wake Forest University School of Divinity can support their vocational and spiritual formation.
Dr. Tennial’s appointment comes as the School of Divinity celebrates it 25th anniversary and as the School has received a historic combined gift of $10 million gift—the largest individual donation in the school’s history. This gift underscores the School’s commitment to advancing innovative, interdisciplinary graduate theological education that enables faith leaders and professionals to make meaningful contributions to congregations and communities across the nation.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the admissions process or connecting with Dr. Tennial can visit the Wake Forest University School of Divinity Admissions page or contact the Admissions office at divapply@wfu.edu. (Admissions – Wake Forest University School of Divinity)
About Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Wake Forest University School of Divinity blends tradition with innovation to shape the next generation of faith leaders. Christian by tradition, Baptist in heritage, and ecumenical in outlook, the School Divinity fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where theological education meets real-world purpose. In the spirit of the University’s motto, Pro Humanitate, the School of Divinity equips students for faithful lives of service, leadership, and justice.
Wake Forest University School of Divinity offers Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, and Doctor of Ministry degrees and dual degrees in law, management, bioethics, counseling, education, and sustainability, emphasizing holistic formation that integrates academic excellence, spiritual depth, and vocational clarity.
Office of Communications, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Email: divcomm@wfu.edu | Phone: (336) 758-5121
Website: divinity.wfu.edu
For more information about Wake Forest University School of Divinity, please visit https://divinity.wfu.edu.
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