Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) has welcomed 52 new students for the 2026-27 academic year.
The entering class includes students from 24 dioceses across the United States, as well as from Palestine, Kenya, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago. It is made up of 34 Master of Divinity students, nine Master of Arts students, six Anglican Studies students, two Diploma in Theology students, and one Pathway to Ministry student.
VTS was also excited to welcome several visiting professors this fall. The Rev. Rebekah Rochte Votral, a Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Department of Religion at Vanderbilt University, will serve as Visiting Lecturer in Hebrew Bible for one year, teaching at both VTS and The General Theological Seminary. Hannah Black, Ph.D., is beginning her second year as Visiting Professor of History and Theology through the Louisville Institute. The Rev. Kevin Vandiver, Ph.D., Senior Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington D.C., has also returned for a third year as the Martha Horne Visiting Professor.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of VTS, said: “VTS remains very conscious that there is a shortage of clergy in The Episcopal Church. We are excited to have a large entering class that is ready and willing to be formed to serve congregations around the country and the world.”
In his sermon at today’s Opening Eucharist, Dean Markham spoke about the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence and urged students to become AI-literate but to also make a commitment, as seminarians being formed for the Gospel, that they would honor the requirements of assessments, and not use generative AI if it was prohibited. He also said that while generative AI may be a tool that enables some people, such as those working in their second or third language, to say what the Lord has laid upon their heart, a sermon should always be the work of a person, made in the image of God, grappling with the text of Scripture, to bring the proclaimed word to the congregation. He added that he would now always deliver his sermons without notes.
Dean Markham said: “I’m choosing to never use a text again because the words on a text are no longer trusted. I’m reverting to what a sermon always is: an oral proclamation. And why am I doing that? It is because I want you all to know that this was a result of prayer, reflection on the text of Scripture, and what I feel the Holy Spirit has laid upon my heart to share with you this morning.”
The start of the new academic year follows the successful conclusion of August Term, during which the incoming class spent time on campus for orientation, learning, and worship.