Category: News
Visiting Fellow Joins Central Faculty
In cooperation with the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (NABPR), Central Seminary is pleased to welcome Anna Wells as a Visiting Fellow in August 2024. Identified by NABPR as an excellent emerging scholar in the field of World Christianity, Ms. Wells is the first recipient of the organization’s two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellowship provides valuable experience for new scholars, while also affording the opportunity of fresh connection and engagement for the host institution. Ms. Wells will join Central Seminary after completing her Ph.D. at Baylor University in August 2024.
President Pam Durso noted, “I am delighted by and grateful for the opportunity to partner with NABPR in this new Postdoctoral Fellowship program, the timing of which corresponds beautifully with Central’s recent future-oriented initiatives. We have committed to evaluating our educational delivery, right sizing our space, creating new and relevant programs, and better resourcing our students. The addition of a young scholar and classroom teacher to our faculty and our support of her vocational development fits well into the forward-thinking vision we have at Central. On a more personal note, I am thrilled to welcome Anna to Central and am excited for our students who will experience her intellectual curiosity and her enthusiasm for classroom teaching.”
During her time at Central Seminary, Ms. Well will teach courses in Christian heritage, guide MA thesis students, and participate in the work of the seminary. She will also participate in intentional mentoring relationships designed for emerging scholars, including course and curriculum development, classroom management, setting and maintaining research and publication goals, and establishing healthy practices of self-care.
“Anna’s excellence in scholarship, her engaging presence in the classroom, and her eagerness to grow into her vocation have been evident in every interaction she has had with faculty, students, and staff,” said Kathy Maxwell, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “The faculty look forward to welcoming Anna in August, and students are already looking forward to taking classes with her. I have no doubt that Anna will make significant contributions to the Central community during her two years with us.”
Ms. Wells is a native Texan and a lifelong Baptist. She has received two degrees from Baylor University, a Christian university with both historic and present Baptist connections, earning both a B.A. and M.A. in History. Anna is near completion of her dissertation and is expected to graduate with her Ph.D. in August from the Department of Religion with an emphasis in World Christianity, Medieval Christianity, Women and Gender.