Duke Divinity School welcomed an entering class of 225 new students from 27 U.S. states and 6 countries, including Germany, China, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

The M.Div. program gained 151 new students and showed an increase in the diversity of under-represented groups. Students from minority groups comprised 24.52% of incoming students, with black students making up 13.25%; Hispanic students, 4.63%; Asian students, 3.98%; American Indian students, 1.99%; and Hawaiian students, .67%. Thirty-six percent of students in the incoming class and the M.Div. class were female, and the average age of all students was 25 years old.

The M.T.S. program also gained a more diverse entering class, with 41% of students from an under-represented minority group.

“We’re thrilled to see a more diverse class this year,” said Paige Anderson, interim director of admissions. “Our class reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences that enrich our school community.”

Thirty-eight denominations are represented in the entering class, with 35.24% of all entering degree students and 44% of entering M.Div. affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Baptist students make up 13.22% of students; nondenominational, 12.76%; Anglican-Episcopal, 7.05%; Presbyterian/Reformed, 5.29%; and Roman Catholic, 3.08%.

The Divinity School welcomed the entering class with an orientation program and picnic, and Opening Convocation was held on Aug. 26.