Dr. Leah Gunning Francis is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. After serving at Eden Theological Seminary, Dr. Gunning Francis came to CTS in 2016. In speaking about her impact on the CTS community, Interim President Bill Kincaid noted that “Dr. Gunning Francis brings to her work as Dean the compassionate force of her own convictions, a vision of the just world God desires, and a tireless devotion to preparing leaders whose work will contribute to that vision of justice.”
It was during her time at Eden Theological Seminary, located in St. Louis, that the shooting of Michael Brown took place in Ferguson, Missouri. In the aftermath of that tragedy and the ensuing uprising, Dr. Gunning Francis interviewed more than two dozen clergy and young activists who were actively involved in the movement for racial justice in Ferguson and beyond. The interviews, and the learnings from them, resulted in the publication of Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community (Chalice Press, 2015). According to Dr. Gunning Francis, Ferguson and Faith is a collection of stories of courage and hope: “These were the stories that were rarely imaged on television, yet they are integral to the fight for justice in Ferguson and resonate with the struggle for human dignity around the country.” In the book, she gleaned from these stories seeds of possibilities that, if nurtured, could serve our society well into the future.
Dr. Gunning Francis has received numerous awards, including the Engaged Scholars Fellowship (2012) to study issues of risk among middle-class African American young men. Other awards include the Candler School of Theology’s G. Ray Jordan award for excellence in integrating academic study with constructive leadership service and the Fund for Theological Education’s Doctoral Fellow Award. She has also been featured in diverse media outlets including Keepin’ It Real with Al Sharpton, RELEVANT Magazine, and the PBS documentary The Talk: Race in America.
In addition to her role as Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Gunning Francis serves as Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology. Her additional research interests focus on transformative education and reflect her commitment to the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of women, men and children, highlighted by her particular interest in underserved and minority communities.
Dr. Gunning Francis earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hampton University; a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University; and a Doctor of Philosophy from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
A native of Willingboro, New Jersey, Dr. Gunning Francis is married to Rev. Rodney Francis. They live in Indianapolis with their two elementary school aged sons.