In 2025, Whitley College strengthened its commitment to accessible, rigorous, and contextually grounded theological education as an agency of the Baptist Union of Victoria.
Guided by our vision to be faithful, contextual, and global, we expanded online learning, deepened formation pathways, strengthened governance, and broadened our engagement with Baptist churches and international partners.
This was a year of measurable growth, deeper partnerships, and renewed clarity about our shared mission.
Student Access and Participation
- Student enrolments increased by 14% compared with 2024.
- 26 students studied from beyond Victoria, and 3 from overseas, reflecting expanded reach and accessibility.
- 58 graduates in 2025, compared with 37 in 2024.
- A leading research culture with 16 PhD students.
- 75+ culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students enrolled across programs.
- $35K+ committed to scholarships and fee support, reducing financial barriers and expanding opportunity.
Teaching, Formation and Academic Life
- 64% of units offered online, increasing accessibility for bi-vocational students.
- Expanded online delivery of the TransFormation Program, increasing participation for CALD students by 11% since 2024.
- New hosting partnership with the University of Divinity to deliver Professional Supervision and Clinical Pastoral Education programs.
- 5 PhD completions.
- 16 faculty publications contributing to Baptist theology, contextual ministry, and the wider theological academy.
Leadership, Governance and Institutional Strength
- Appointment of Rev Dr Andrew Mitchell as Academic Dean.
- Governance transition following the conclusion of Rev Katrina Lambert’s term as Council Chair and the appointment of Tim Worsam.
Church, Global and Intercultural Engagement
- 80+ faculty engagements with Baptist churches across Australia through preaching, teaching, and leadership support.
- 20+ keynote and public lectures delivered in Australia and overseas.
- Three new partnership agreements established: Kawthoolei Hope Theological Seminary (Thailand); Elstal and Ewersbach Theological Seminaries (Germany); Malua Theological College (Samoa).
- Significant participation in the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Brisbane.
- Whitley Principal Rev Associate Professor Darrell Jackson provided leadership and scholarship at conferences and symposia across Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Australia.
- Appointment of Rev Associate Professor Darrell Jackson as Chair of the Baptist World Alliance Commission for Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity (2025–2030).
Looking Ahead
Whitley College enters 2026 with strong momentum.
We are building on a year of growth in enrolments, research, online accessibility, scholarships, church engagement, and global partnerships. Together with the Baptist Union of Victoria, we remain committed to forming leaders who can understand and embody the Good News in diverse and complex contexts.
Faithful in theology. Contextual in mission. Global in perspective.
The year ahead is grounded in a strong foundation and shaped by hope.