After completing a self-study process and site visit, the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (BSK) was reaccredited for 10 years by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This is the maximum length of time allowed by ATS.
BSK received initial accreditation for 5 years in 2015, making this the school’s first self-study for reaccreditation. President David Cassady commented on the decision, “To receive the maximum reaffirmation of accreditation for our first reevaluation self-study is a significant affirmation of BSK’s approach to theological education. I am grateful for the incredible work done by our faculty, staff, and trustees in this process.”
The reaffirmation decision from the ATS Board of Commissioners noted several “distinctive strengths” in BSK’s approach:
a. The vocational commitment of faculty, staff, and administrators to one another and to the missional values of the school, as well as the pedagogical creativity of the faculty who generate a resilient and life-affirming formative experience for students and the publics they serve.
b. The collaborative and mutually enhancing relationship between BSK, Simmons College, and the National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc… generates an efficacious grace that increases hope and commitment among diverse racial and ethnic communities.
c. The transformative leadership capacities of students and alumni who exercise their call to serve in diverse ministerial roles and intersectional contexts for the betterment of the church and the world.
d. The creative and elegant simplicity of the school’s degree program rubric which integrates the intellectual, practical, and spiritual elements of formation.
BSK Board of Trustees Chairperson, Dr. Joan Fowler, pointed to the way the decision affirmed the relevancy of the seminary’s approach, “Given the uncertainties facing our world, we are energized that ATS recognizes the resiliency and leadership the faculty have instilled in our graduates as they serve in diverse ministerial roles helping our communities cope and heal. The decision also affirms the current and future impact of our collaborations with Simmons College and the NBCA as we seek actionable ways to improve lives in diverse racial and ethnic communities.”
The ATS affirmation also provided approval for BSK to provide “comprehensive distance education” for the M.Div. program. A refreshed 75 hour M.Div. curriculum was announced in early 2020 and begins with the Fall 2020 semester.
BSK is a rapidly-growing seminary with presence on the campuses of Simmons College of Kentucky (HBCU) and Georgetown College. The seminary now also offers participation in all programs and courses online.
Emphasizing racial justice, women in ministry, pastoral care, and rural ministry, BSK offers the Master of Divinity Degree, Graduate Certificate Programs, as well as non-credit workshop series through BSK’s Flourish Center for Congregational Imagination.
Learn more about BSK, apply, or donate at bsk.edu.
