For Immediate Release
Welch Divinity School Grants First M.Div. Degrees
GALLATIN, TN—Two years after its inception, Welch Divinity School celebrated its first two graduates, Dustin Walters and Joshua Hunter, according to Dr. Martin Sheldon, Director of Administration at Welch Divinity School.
Alabama native Dustin Walters currently resides in Chandler, Indiana, with his wife Laci. He serves as connections and next steps pastor at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Chandler. Dustin graduated from Welch College in 2016 with his B. A. in pastoral ministry and moved to New Orleans, where he studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He later transferred to the newly established Welch Divinity School to pursue the three-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. He has a heart for pastoral ministry and ministering the gospel through the Free Will Baptist Church.
“Dustin was not only one of our first M.Div. students, he was also the first Administrative Assistant for the Divinity School,” Sheldon said. “He approached his role as a student and employee with eagerness and excellence. He truly has a servant’s heart. While demonstrating academic acuity, his passion for local church ministry is perpetually evident.”
Josh Hunter is a native of Missouri. He came to Welch College for his bachelor’s degree in 2015 and completed it in 2019, moving straight into the Master of Arts program in Theology and ministry. Upon completing the M.A. in 2021, Josh worked as a curriculum instructional designer but returned to pursue the new three-year Master of Divinity program at Welch. He plans to pursue further study at other institutions to engage in scholarship from an evangelical Christian perspective.
“When I first met Josh, I sensed right away that he had a sharp mind and humble spirit,” Sheldon said. “These are two qualities that are not often found together, but Josh has them both. Throughout his time as a Welch student, Josh has demonstrated the virtues of diligence, humility, and perseverance.”
The entire Welch community offers its congratulations to these first graduates of Welch Divinity School. For more information on Welch Divinity School or theological master’s degree programs at Welch, contact Jacob Johnson at jacob.johnson@welch.edu.