Seminary’s Ph.D Program Celebrates 20 Years

Graduates and supporters of Calvin Theological Seminary’s Ph.D. program gathered on Oct. 9 in a packed De Vos Auditorium to celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary.

There were waves of applause and ripples of laughter, as well as moments of rapt attention as program members reflected on the development of a doctoral studies program at the seminary.

Although it began two decades ago, no doctoral degree was  conferred until 15 years ago. Today, 48 graduates serve the church and academy in various parts of the world, and 31 students are currently enrolled.

Several current Calvin Seminary faculty members contributed to the afternoon program, among them doctoral studies director Lyle Bierma; Calvin Seminary President Julius Medenblik, and Ronald Feenstra, academic dean and former director of the doctoral studies program.  

Richard Muller gave the plenary address. Muller is internationally known for his scholarship on post-Reformation theology. He has taught in the Ph.D. program since its inception, and he has been key to the success of the program, said Feenstra.

James De Jong, president of Calvin Seminary when the Ph.D. program was established, addressed listeners about bringing the dream of a Ph.D. program to fruition through the unified work of supportive faculty and constituents.

Randy Blacketer, the first Ph.D. program graduate under Muller, introduced his mentor. Blacketer reflected on Muller’s work as a scholar and teacher as he creatively corrected caricatures of Reformed thinkers for his students.

“I unlearned nearly as much as I learned under his guidance,” Blacketer said.

Muller spoke about the progress of Calvin Seminary’s Ph.D. program in his plenary address: The program’s early commitments to the church and academy worldwide; to students; and to scholarship, which has continued to guide it. He spoke of how the efforts have borne fruit.

“To say the least, [we had] high hopes and a rather tall order,” Muller said.

He and Feenstra hoped in coming to the seminary that they could start a Ph.D program.

“But we could hardly have predicted the precise development or the success of the program,” he said.

From publications and conference participation to church leadership roles to the establishment of scholarly networks, Muller noted the international range and theological depth of graduates’ impact.

“As of this fall, we have seen the completion of 52 dissertations, with a significant track record of placement....  [There are] tangible evidences of collegiality among the students producing results of lasting significance beyond the program.”

Following Muller’s address, his students Jason Zuidema, Jordan Ballor, and David Sytsma presented him with a surprise gift to commemorate his upcoming 65th birthday and 20 years of service to the Ph.D. program:  A festschrift, or collection of essays, written by 54 scholars in his honor.

Muller’s wife, daughter and son, as well as a sister and brother-in-law and colleagues from other parts of the country, were in attendance to celebrate the honor with him.

“It was a total surprise. Given the number of colleagues who have contributed to this, I’m amazed that they could pull it off as a surprise. I’m deeply, deeply honored,” Muller said.