WACO, Texas (ABP) — Ruth Ann Foster, one of the two founding faculty members of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, died Sept. 28 in Waco after battling cancer. Her age was not immediately known.
Foster joined Truett Seminary in 1994, along with fellow founding professor. A.J. Conyers, who died of cancer in 2004. Foster came to Baylor from Manor Baptist Church in San Antonio, where she had served as minister of education.
As associate professor of Christian scriptures, Foster taught New Testament, Old Testament, New Testament Greek and biblical interpretation. She also supervised ministry research for candidates in Truett's doctor of ministry degree program.
“Ruth Ann is the last of the founding faculty of Truett, and as such had a special place in all our hearts,” said Truett Seminary Dean Paul Powell. “She was a perfect blend of toughness and tenderness in dealing with the hard issues we faced in our beginning years. I affectionately called her 'Mother Superior' because of the love and respect I had for her. Truett has lost a scholar, a cheerleader and a dear friend.”
Foster earned her bachelor's degree in theology from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky., in 1978, her master's of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982, and her doctorate in religion from Southwestern in 1989. In addition to teaching, Foster served as a faculty adviser for the Truett Women in Ministry group.
She also was a frequent speaker in Texas and beyond, teaching Bible conferences for churches and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and leading women's retreats throughout the state.
Foster wrote the commentary on 1 John for The Woman's Study New Testament. She received a number of honors and awards during her career. In May 1998, Baylor named her an outstanding faculty member in a tenure-track position. In spring 2000, she was awarded the “Professor of Choice” award by the Truett graduating class of 2000.
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