Presbyterian and affiliated theological institutions report a variety of faculty and staff changes, new programs and other changes to their academic life in 2005-06:
Auburn–Union
Auburn Seminary educates people to meet the challenges of religious and public life through renewing church life and leadership, increasing multi-faith understanding across lines of religious difference, and strengthening theological schools through educational research and consulting. This academic year we offer several programs open to the public, including Homosexuality and the Black Church, Clergy Counseling Workshop, Addressing Depression and Anxiety ; and we are planning our first Multi-faith Poetry Festival. Additionally, Auburn, in collaboration with Union Theological Seminary in New York continues to provide a unique educational experience for Presbyterian students. This year we welcome noted theologian, the Rev. Dr. Nora Tubbs Tisdale to our teaching staff.
Austin
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has called the Reverend Dr. David F. White to be the first holder of the C. Ellis and Nancy Gribble Nelson Chair of Christian Education and the Reverend Dr. Jennifer L. Lord to be the new associate professor of homiletics, beginning with the 2005-2006 academic year. Lord came from Lancaster Theological Seminary and White from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Kurt A. Gabbard, formerly of McCormick Seminary, will become the new vice president for business affairs, effective November 1, and Donna Smith became director of development in the Office of Institutional Advancement in September.
Louisville
Angela R. Cowser is the new Associate Director of Admissions. In this newly created position, Cowser will focus on the recruitment of students of color and the establishment of critical relationships and networks with historically black colleges and universities and other racial/ethnic communities in the church. She will also serve as a consultant to the President and the Director of Admissions, Kerry Rice, to help shape the Seminary’s overall recruiting strategy and in meeting the vision of a multicultural and interracial community of reconciliation at LPTS. Cowser is a graduate of Brown University (BA) and the University of Chicago (MA), and she will complete the M.Div. degree at LPTS in December 2005.
McCormick
McCormick has just announced its calendar of continuing education events for the 2005-2006 academic year and it is among the best the Seminary has ever offered. Highlights include the first Annual Institute on Black Church Studies (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) with Dr. Brian Blount of Princeton Theological Seminary; McCormick Days 2005 (Oct. 24-25) with Dr. James Forbes of the Riverside Church in New York and Dr. Cynthia Campbell, President of McCormick Seminary; Common Faith, Common Mission, a conference on the life and mission of the Church with PC(USA) Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick and a number of panelists; Allen Lectures 2006 (Feb. 20-21) with Dr. Bonnie Miller-McLemore of Vanderbilt University Divinity School. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.mccormick.edu or call 773/947-6283.
Pittsburgh
The Rev. Dr. Carnegie Samuel Calian, currently the longest tenured president of any Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seminary, is approaching retirement after 25 years of unprecedented leadership. Having presided over dramatic institutional enhancements within the faculty, facilities, and programs and significant growth within the endowment, annual fund, and enrollment, Calian leaves the institution poised for new growth. The Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III will succeed as the fifth president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, effective Feb. 1, 2006.
San Francisco
San Francisco Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. H. Stanley Wood to the newly created Ford Chair of Congregational Leadership and Evangelism. Dr. Wood brings a wealth of experience in church growth and new church development to this faculty position having served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in its Evangelism and Church Development Program, as a new church development pastor, and most recently, as Columbia Theological Seminary’s Director of the Center for New Church Development. He will oversee the SFTS internship program and the new “Teaching Congregations Initiative.” In addition, he will help masters and doctoral students develop new approaches to evangelism, church renewal and leadership development.
Union-PSCE
Union-PSCE begins the 2005-06 academic year with several new faculty members. Paul Galbreath joins the faculty as associate professor of preaching and worship, and Karen Marie Yust as associate professor of Christian education. Susan Fox has been appointed as assistant professor of supervised ministry. The seminary is making progress in its $50 million One in Mission campaign, having successfully passed the two-thirds mark of its goal. Initiatives include restoration of the former library into an academic and worship building, endowed faculty chairs, and increased student financial aid.
Dubuque
The Opening Convocation of the University of Dubuque was held Wednesday, September 7, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Groundbreaking for the Myers Teaching and Administrative Center was a part of this service, with a procession to the construction site. The Opening Convocation celebrates the heritage of the University as an institution that seeks to serve God and neighbor.
Dr. Charles and Romona Myers, generous donors who have provided the funding for the new building, were present for the groundbreaking. Designed to be light, airy, and conducive to teaching and learning, the 40,000 square foot facility will house classrooms, group study rooms, informal study nooks, a 100-seat lecture hall, a reception/meeting room, and administrative and faculty offices. The President’s Office as well as the Wendt Center for Character Development will be located in the building.
Other Seminaries
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School has educated faithful leaders since 1816. The vast resources of the university, in dialogue with our long tradition of Christian scholarship, provide a rich environment for cultivating the compassion and creativity so critical in today’s ministry. Now, a new M.Div. curriculum is being introduced, inviting our diverse student body to examine their own faith as they learn and train for ministry. Please visit our website at www.hds.harvard.edu.
