DBU REPORT 10 DBU PROVOST DR. NORMA HEDIN Named 2025 Distinguished Alumna by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY proudly celebrates Dr. Norma Hedin, Provost, who has been named a 2025 Distinguished Alumna by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS). The recognition honors alumni who have made a lasting impact on Christian ministry and education. Dr. Hedin was honored alongside Dr. Ryan Lee and Dr. Rick Dighton at the Alumni and Friends Luncheon during the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Hedin is recognized for her decades of leadership in higher education, her commitment to forming Christian educators, and her longstanding service within Baptist life. She earned both her Master of Arts in Religious Education and her Doctor of Philosophy from SWBTS. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the Southwestern faculty as an assistant professor of foundations of education. She later stepped into leadership as associate dean of the Terry School, where she directed master’s programs, chaired the curriculum committee, and served on the Ph.D. committee. “It is such an unexpected honor to be recognized as a Distinguished Alumna,” said Dr. Hedin. “Southwestern prepared me well for God’s calling on my life, and I will always be grateful for the transformative education I received as a student, the mentoring I received from professors and colleagues, and the absolute joy of teaching students in the School of Educational Ministries for 17 years.” Her journey with DBU began in 2005 when she joined the inaugural team of faculty teaching doctoral seminars in the newly launched Ph.D. program. Initially serving as an adjunct faculty member, she transitioned into full-time leadership in 2016 as Vice President for Executive Affairs, and in 2018 was appointed Provost. Beyond her roles at DBU, Dr. Hedin has served the broader Christian academic community through leadership on the Board of the North American Professors of Christian Education, as a Senior Fellow of the B. H. Carroll Theological Institute, and as an adjunct professor at the Canadian Baptist Seminary, extending her influence across North America. As DBU’s Provost, Dr. Hedin serves as the chief academic officer, overseeing the University’s eight colleges and schools, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and academic support areas including the library, registrar, advising, and writing center. A passionate educator, she is known for championing academic excellence rooted in a biblical worldview. “Dr. Hedin embodies the mission and heart of DBU,” said DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright. “Her dedication to raising up servant leaders through Christ-centered education has left an indelible mark on our campus and beyond. We are overjoyed to see her honored by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in this way.” In addition to her leadership, Dr. Hedin is an active member of Baptist education networks and a mentor to countless Christian scholars and teachers. Her influence spans generations and continues to shape the future of Christian education. SWBTS President Dr. David S. Dockery remarked, “Norma Hedin has invested her life in the work of Christian higher education. Several current Southwestern faculty members point to Dr. Hedin as both a mentor and a model for their work in the classroom. We are thankful for Dr. Hedin’s many years of service as a grace-filled, Christ-centered, and studentfocused Christian educator.” As DBU celebrates this milestone, Dr. Hedin’s legacy as an educator and servant leader continues to inspire students, faculty, and alumni around the world. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Dr. David Dockery, DBU Provost Dr. Norma Hedin, and Chancellor of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. O. S. Hawkins
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