Stephanie A. Budwey (’04,’12) is Austin Seminary’s New Professor of Sacred Music and Dean of the Chapel
The following is an excerpt from Austin Seminary‘s article “Stephanie A. Budwey Called to Serve as Professor of Sacred Music and Dean of the Chapel” featuring alumnus Stephanie A. Budwey (’04,’12), published on February 20, 2026.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has called Stephanie A. Budwey, ThD, to serve as Professor of Sacred Music and Dean of the Chapel as of July 1, 2026. Budwey’s appointment was unanimously approved by the faculty and affirmed by the Austin Seminary Board of Trustees, after a nationwide search led by a faculty committee. She fills the position formerly held by Professor Eric Wall. Budwey is coming to Austin Seminary from Vanderbilt Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion, where she has served since 2018, currently as assistant professor of the history and practice of Christian worship and the arts. Upon arrival at Austin Seminary, Budwey will hold the rank of associate professor.
Budwey is the author of two books, Religion and Intersex: Perspectives from Science, Law, Culture, and Theology (2023) and Sing of Mary: Giving Voice to Marian Theology and Devotion (2014). Budwey co-edited In Spirit and Truth: A Vision of Episcopal Worship (2020) and contributed several chapters in edited volumes and encyclopedia articles, including: “Liturgical Theology and Music” in Oxford Handbook of Music and Christian Theology (forthcoming) and “Queer Congregational Song: Past Celebrations, Current Resources, and Hopes for the Future” in Queering Christian Worship: Reconstructing Liturgical Theology (2023). Additionally, Budwey is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and has served as a podcast guest, conference presenter, and invited lecturer.
Dr. Stephanie A. Budwey shared, “It is truly an honor for me to join the Austin Seminary community. Worship and music are central to the Seminary’s spiritual and intellectual life, and I am incredibly excited to join such a diverse and inclusive community.”
“Equipping leaders with a deep appreciation for the role of music in the life of the church is a distinctive feature of Austin Seminary’s educational mission,” said the Reverend Dr. José R. Irizarry, president and professor of practical theology. “Therefore, maintaining a high standard of excellence in selecting our next professor of sacred music and dean of the chapel was crucial in guiding our decision. Dr. Budwey brings an exceptional combination of intellectual rigor, musical talent, and pastoral sensitivity to this role. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Budwey to campus later this year.”