Thomas L. Fuller

Dr. Thomas L. Fuller serves as Associate Dean at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, a position he assumed on October 1, 2019. Working closely with the dean, faculty, and staff, he focuses on academic operations including admission, enrollment management, curriculum development, and faculty support. An ordained Baptist minister, Fuller has been part of Beeson's community since 2000, teaching courses in pastoral leadership and practical theology before transitioning to his current administrative role.

• PhD, The University of Alabama
• MDiv, DMin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• BA, Samford University

Fuller is a recognized leader in theological field education and assessment of student learning outcomes. His research focuses on student engagement in theological education, assessment of outcomes in theological education, and initial and ongoing formation for ministry leadership. He approaches teaching as helping students 'connect the threads' between who they are in Christ, what they've learned about Scripture, and how they serve the church and world.

His scholarly work reveals consistent themes in theological education assessment and field education practices, with increasing focus on intercultural sensitivity and learning community models for developing ministry supervisors. Recent publications demonstrate his evolving interest in reflective practice within ministerial formation.

• Co-Chair, Evangelical Association of Theological Field Educators (2002-03, 2019-20)
• President, Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals (2003-04)
• Steering Committee, Association for Theological Field Education (2011-13)
• Editorial board, Christian Higher Education journal
• Annual Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity faculty/staff service award (2015), later named in his honor

Fuller serves as a bridge between academic formation and practical ministry, with extensive experience as a pastor of churches in Indiana and Alabama for 13 years. He continues to serve churches through consulting, supply preaching, and interim pastoral work. His leadership extends to the Evangelical Seminary Deans Council and Evangelical Theological Society, where he contributes to broader conversations about theological education.