Wake Forest to Open Divinity School

Wake Forest University, steeped in Baptist tradition, is opening a nondenominational divinity school whose first class of 24 includes a Catholic, a Lutheran, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Moravians.

The students, who will embark on a three-year quest for a master of divinity degree Aug. 25, range in age from 21 to 74.

Within three years, officials at the North Carolina school expect the program to enroll about 110 students, with a full-time faculty of eight.

The school’s curriculum will focus on biblical studies, church history, theology and ministry studies such as pastoral care and preaching.

“We believe that theological education brings a completion to the university in the midst of our professional schools because the ideas and issues relative to faith, ethics and theological ideas are important on a university campus,” said Bill J. Leonard, a Baptist minister and dean of the new school.