When Gary Peluso-Verdend first came to what was then called Phillips Graduate Seminary in 1993, the institution’s future was uncertain after it separated in 1987 from Phillips University to become a standalone school.
Twenty-five years later, as Peluso-Verdend exits the president’s office for a sabbatical year before returning to the seminary in a new role, Phillips Theological Seminary is among the rare standalone graduate theological schools that have emerged stronger with a significant endowment and renewed commitment to educating the whole church.
Peluso-Verdend served in several positions at Phillips over two different timeframes. First, between 1993-2000 and then from 2005 to now, including faculty member, Doctor of Ministry program director, dean, vice president of stewardship, and president.
“I’ve worn many different hats in my time at Phillips,” Peluso-Verdend said. “I’m thankful that the board has granted me the time and support to wear a new one.”
Peluso-Verdend, who has served as president since 2009, said the change at this time was a personal and vocational choice. “For myself, I’ve not been granted a full sabbatical in 25 years of leadership in theological education,” he said. “I am particularly grateful to receive a sabbatical as a prelude to a change in focus.”
When he returns from sabbatical in 2019, Peluso-Verdend has been authorized and directed by the Board to lead the seminary’s effort to initiate an Institute for Religion and Public Life in Oklahoma. The Board has approved the Institute as an element of the seminary’s strategic plan.
When he was the dean, Peluso-Verdend helped to consolidate the seminary in Tulsa and teach-out its Enid campus in the late 1990s. In 1999, he also wrote a successful grant proposal that brought the first infusion of technology to teaching at Phillips. In 2009, the seminary was approved to offer comprehensive distance education.
During his time as president of Phillips, Peluso-Verdend has served as the chair of the Disciples Council on Theological Education, on the HELM board, and as the leader of several Association of Theological Schools accreditation site evaluation committees.
He led in the creation of new identity and mission statements for the seminary along with new branding for Phillips, including a logo and tag line, “where faith leads.”