Petition for Reconsideration of Dr. Hetzel as Truett Professor

Rod Hetzel is an awful, disgusting man. Thank god he is not teaching here anymore! Nobody likes you, and nobody misses you. GOOD RIDDENS!

I am extremely disappointed that Truett would consider not renewing Dr Hetzel's contract. This decision seems short-sighted. This may quickly remedy the complaints of a handful but will undoubtedly compromise the larger goal of educating ministers. Please reconsider your decision as you will no doubt regret the method which brought you to this imprudent decision.

As a former co-worker of Dr. Hetzel at Baylor, I am very perplexed and distressed to hear that his contract has not been renewed. He is a dedicated, passionate teacher and wise, skilled psychologist. Often I considered 'crashing' his course at Truett to learn more from his wisdom. Why is there such concern that his teaching would have a negative effect on students? So many (including me) have been pointed toward Christ through him. -- My experience is consistent with many of the other commenters -- he deftly maintains the necessary "therapeutic neutrality' required as both an educator and therapist to facilitate personal growth. His personal humility and pursuit of Christ-likeness demonstrate his integrity as a believer.

Seminary students seeking a genuine and thoughtful education need more, not fewer, people like Rod in their classrooms and lives.

Praying for Wisdom for all concerned.

This is a terrible tragedy for the seminary and reflects very poorly on the so called "moderate" baptists. Dismissing a fantastic professor for an affirming statement in a church setting is not academic professionalism, freedom, or even humanly decent.

I have experienced his lectures. Wise man. Need to keep his insight before our students - all of us for that matter.

My father, whose name I am honored to carry forth, was often troubled by the short sightedness of institutions; be different Baylor, be a BEAR!

Please keep Dr Hetzel at Truett. It is a better place with him there.

When will this madness stop. Come on Baylor. You are better than this. Please reconsider.

That is ridiculous! Rod is a blessing to have teaching there, they ought to be ashamed of themselves!

This is absurd.

This is not how we do things at Baylor, I think we are better than this.

As a Baylor alumnus, I am extremely disappointed in this decision. How sad for us all. Dr. Hetzel is a gift to our students and to the Baylor community.

I am not a student of Truett Seminary, but I am an Alumnus of Baylor and I hold an MDivCE from Southern Seminary (while Dr. David Garland was still a professor at that institution). I am truly disturbed by this development and though I am sure that my comments will make little difference, I must speak up. That a professor would be dismissed for making comments outside the classroom in his own church for purposes of discussion and spiritual development within the walls of his church is absolutely appalling. It is especially appalling coming from a place that taught me extensively not only about educational freedom but also about the Baptist principle of soul freedom! This is a huge overreach of authority and the actions should be reconsidered, although, why he would want to stay at such an institution that would do this to him or any other professor, is beyond my understanding. If Truett still considers itself a Baptist seminary, it must then always uphold all Baptist principles, especially that of soul freedom, and reverse this egregious decision.

10 years ago Featured

I'm disappointed to hear that Truett students won't learn from this wonderful scholar. I survived my masters program because of the grace and wisdom he shared through his counseling course.

I too echo Dr. Caruthers' comments. I am an alumna of the Diana Garland School of Social Work as well as a retiree from the SSW as both staff and faculty. While working in that capacity, I enjoyed opportunities to get to know and work with various faculty and staff at Truett in the early 2000s. This decision is not what I would expect and respect from Truett. Truett should be proud to have such an outstanding psychologist, professor, and author as part of their adjunct faculty. Please reconsider the decision.

I was very disappointed to learn of this decision.

He is a phenominal teacher!!!!

I support the petition and advocacy on behalf of Dr Hetzel. The students are sent out into the world harboring within the values & the broadened intellect they developed in their classes and readings. Ultimately it is the students' needs that matter and should be listened to and respected. They are the future.