The nearly four hundred students of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology represent a diverse range of personal, professional, and religious experiences. A truly intergenerational body, range in age from the early 20s to late 60s and is almost equally split between male and female. The majority of students reside in Virginia and surrounding Mid-Atlantic States.
STVU is a constitutive and cooperative member of the three seminary Richmond Theological Consortium (RTC) and the ten seminary Washington Theological Consortium (WTC). The RTC and WTC provide a uniquely rich living and learning experience for both faculty and students.
Student life at STVU is characterized by informal encounters such as impromptu conversations in Kingsley and student led study groups, worship services, and other activities add to the intensity and diversity of activity in student life.
Each STVU student is a member of the Theologue Fellowship. The Theologue Fellowship exists “to promote the spirit of unity within the school community and to strive for spiritual and intellectual excellence.” Members of the Theologue Fellowship endeavor to both study with seriousness and seek to be involved in the intellectual and spiritual development of the life of STVU and the RTC and WTC Consortiums. The Theologue Fellowship pursues a balanced approach to reflection and action in contributing to growth of each member. Payment of annual dues is a responsibility of STVU students.
The Theologue Fellowship, in cooperation with Coordinator of Graduate Student Services, sponsors Community Formation Hour twice monthly (every second and fourth Friday) during the academic year. Community Formation Hour is marked by candid and critical discussion of theological and practical issues on the cutting edge of ministry in our contemporary world. Guests include faculty, STVU graduates, pastors, community leaders and others are invited to share with students.
Worship is essential in the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology community. Each worship experience provides a unique opportunity for members to experience diverse worship practices and theological beliefs while supporting the spiritual and professional formation and development of others. Students are required to attend a weekly Chapel services in term. Chapel services are conducted on Wednesdays at 9:30am and Saturdays at 8:30am during fall, winter, and spring terms.
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology assists students with career ministry development and placement. STVU circulates resumes upon request, offers recommendations for professional development, and locates opportunities for ministry beyond requests received from churches and church-related organizations. Faculty denominational liaisons help students navigate the ordination process and vocational discernment. In addition, faculty and religious leaders provide an essential link between STVU and religious and nonprofit institutions.
