In 2021, the Board of Trustees took a courageous and faithful step. Recognizing both the changing landscape of theological education and the enduring strengths of General, they committed to developing an authentic hybrid model of formation—one that honors the residential experience, while embracing the possibilities of online learning.

A true hybrid program is not an easy path. It asks more of an institution, not less. It requires a vibrant residential experience, as well as strong digital infrastructure. It demands academic rigor, intentional formation, and careful stewardship of place.

The wisdom of the Board was to recognize that partnership would make this vision possible. Through the affiliation with Virginia Theological Seminary, General benefits from extensive academic infrastructure, such as library services, recruitment and admissions, communications, and advancement, while the lease to Vanderbilt University ensures that the Close is being restored and maintained, enabling students to experience intensive weeks in residence at General’s historic home.

The result is a program that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. The academic infrastructure is exceptional (and, incidentally, GTS alumni/ae have full access to both the digital and physical resources of the library); and Vanderbilt has the resources to renew the Close, improving ADA accessibility, repairing buildings, and completely restoring the Chapel.

Most importantly, this program is serving the Church. Students are being formed in the Anglican tradition with intellectual depth, spiritual discipline, and pastoral imagination—just as generations before them were formed at General.

Now we need our alumni and our friends to help sustain and strengthen this work. We need advocates and ambassadors to speak about the program and distinctiveness of a General education.

Like every institution committed to excellence, we must invest in the costs that make this program distinctive: residencies on the Close, educational technology, and dedicated faculty support. None of this is possible without the faithfulness, prayers, and engagement of alumni/ae and friends. We are encouraged and grateful that the number of alumni/ae donating to General is up more than 25% this year. Please join this growing movement of hope and thanksgiving for blessings that are part of a new beginning. Your gift of any size is an investment in our future that honors our tradition while embracing new possibilities. 

At a time when many Episcopal institutions are asking hard questions about their future, there is good news to share: General is thriving. It is adapting with integrity and imagination. What was once uncertain is now a model of faithful innovation, grounded in tradition and oriented toward the Church’s future.

You can give to General here: https://www.gts.edu/giving