At Seminary of the Southwest, leaders are formed. They are formed for the church, for our communities, and for a rapidly changing world. This formation is done with great intention and care, with active and accessible faculty members who not only challenge the students but challenge each other. The seminary continually updates its curriculum to provide fresh answers to old questions, while maintaining a tradition of excellence and faith that is the cornerstone of Southwest’s identity.
Established in 1952 by the Rt. Rev. John Elbridge Hines, the fourth Bishop of Texas and eventual Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Seminary of the Southwest was born from the need to educate more Episcopal priests during a period of rapid postwar growth in The Episcopal Church. Bishop Hines’ vision was expansive: he sought to create a seminary for “the whole church … centered around dialogue between the Christian faith and culture.”
Seminary of the Southwest stands boldly at this intersection of tradition and innovation. Rooted in the celebration of the theology, liturgy, and rich history of The Episcopal Church, Southwest lives within the fertile conversation among the creative solutions and powerful opportunities that will help the church thrive for generations.
The Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, ThD is the eighth dean and president of this, the second youngest Episcopal seminary, founded in 1952.
Students
Southwest provides excellent residential formation for ordained ministry; offers professional master’s degrees to a range of lay professionals in a range of denominations and faith traditions; and serves the church through innovative models for local formation and ongoing training. Ninety-eight students enrolled at Southwest for 2015-16.
Approximately sixty percent of students receive financial aid for tuition through the seminary’s scholarship aid and work programs. The average scholarship is $7,500 per year.
Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated teachers, thoughtful scholars, and models of leadership. Our staff is knowledgeable and committed to the success of our students. You will find the faculty to be accessible to students and intentional in their contributions to the strong community that is Seminary of the Southwest.
Alumni
Graduates of Southwest do God’s work in parishes, dioceses, hospitals, non-profit organizations and in the armed forces and beyond. Our 1,500 + graduates are serving in all 50 states, in 23 countries around the world, including 22 bishops serving in the Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Communion.
Finances
Seminary of the Southwest has an endowment of $36 million which allows for an affordable education for future clergy, chaplains and counselors.
