HELM Highlight – Sarah Harcourt Watts, Director of Religious Life, Transylvania University

Written by Anna Whittle

For Sarah Harcourt Watts, serving as the Director of Religious Life at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, is the culmination of a long-held goal. As an alum of Transylvania, Sarah always felt a deep connection to the campus and hoped to one day return in a role that allowed her to give back to the university community.

Before attending Transylvania, Sarah was unfamiliar with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). During her time at Transylvania, she double-majored in education and religion and joined Central Christian Church in Lexington, engaging with a local Disciples congregation. This experience, combined with meaningful interactions with Disciples peers and professors on campus, deepened her faith and connection to the denomination. After graduating, she attended Harvard Divinity School, where she expanded her theological knowledge and prepared for a career rooted in service.

Following graduate school, Sarah worked for a nonprofit associated with the Episcopal Church before eventually returning to Transylvania in an educational role. She had always been interested in religious and spiritual life on college campuses, and when the opportunity arose to take on this work full time at Transylvania, she interviewed and was offered the position.

Sarah’s work at Transylvania is deeply shaped by the values of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), particularly its emphasis on radical inclusivity and open curiosity. She is excited about building more robust programming for Disciples students and others wanting to engage in community with Disciples. The new student group “Disciples and Friends on Campus” is kicking off with a pizza and arcade party, and will focus on relationships with Disciples congregations in Lexington and outreach to the community.

While the university currently has 57 Disciples students, her role extends far beyond serving members of the Disciples tradition. She strives to create a welcoming space for students of all faiths—or none at all—helping them explore life’s big questions and find meaning in a complex world. She takes pride in being a safe and supportive presence for students from diverse backgrounds and identities, recognizing the privilege of serving in a role that allows her to do so.

One particularly meaningful moment as the Director of Religious Life occurred when she helped student leaders plan a Hanukkah menorah lighting on campus. Although Jewish students at Transylvania had modest expectations for the event, Sarah went out of her way to make it special. She arranged a central location, provided traditional treats like chocolate coins, cookies, and dreidels, and created an environment that honored their traditions. She vividly recalls some students timidly approaching the table of treats and asking, “All of this is for us?” Their joy and gratitude left a lasting impression on her.

For Sarah, moments like these underscore the importance of her work. She feels honored to help students celebrate their traditions and find connection while away from home. She views her role as a bridge between students’ faith communities and their college experience, helping them discover meaningful ways to honor their beliefs during their time at Transylvania.

Sarah emphasizes that her work is a continuous process of learning and growing as she supports students from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds. Whether facilitating events, celebrating holidays, or simply offering a listening ear, she strives to ensure that every student feels valued and supported, no matter their beliefs or identities.

In her role, Sarah Harcourt Watts embodies the values of radical hospitality, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to supporting students on their journeys of faith and self-discovery. Leaders like Sarah are essential in fostering meaningful connections and developing transformational programming on Disciples campuses.

 

HELM Board Votes to Increase Partnership with Christian Church Foundation

The Higher Education & Leadership Ministries Board of Directors has voted to move the investment of its endowment and other holdings to the Christian Church Foundation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Spring 2025. 

“The time is right, and the ministry is right,” said Sarah Little of Springdale, Arkansas, chair of the Finance and Investment Committee that recommended the change. For many years, HELM used a private management firm that did a good job. 

The Christian Church Foundation (Foundation) provides investment management and services for most general ministries and institutions, regions, and hundreds of Disciples congregations. The Foundation provides HELM with a competitive, long-term history of returns at a lower and more transparent cost. HELM’s Investment Committee will continue to oversee all investments, but the Foundation will be responsible for the day-to-day decisions and oversight of investor managers. This also lets HELM’s Board and staff focus more on its core mission of connecting Disciples students and resources.

Chad Cline of Fort Worth, Texas, an Investment Committee member and incoming chair, also pointed out the Foundation is part of the church. HELM’s investment costs do not go to shareholders, but into Disciples ministries to support efforts to build up the church.

HELM President Tamara Rodenberg said HELM will continue to encourage and request direct gifts of all kinds. Knowing that these dollars are invested at the Foundation gives donors additional confidence that their gifts will be handled wisely.

“We are grateful to HELM’s Board for inviting us to discuss the Foundation’s investment services,” said Foundation President Matt Rosine. “Our partnership with HELM is more than investment returns, it is resourcing HELM’s leadership development initiatives for the benefit of Disciples ministries, congregations, and our communities.” 

This partnership with the Foundation will also enhance communications between ministries equipping the Foundation’s staff with increased knowledge of HELM’s programing and objectives that will resonate with Disciple donors. 

Disciples Ministries Unite to Launch Leadership Development Initiatives for Young Adults and Emerging Clergy

Disciples Ministries Unite to Launch Leadership Development Initiatives for Young Adults and Emerging Clergy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM), Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries (DOM/GM), and Week of Compassion (WOC) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to deepen their collaboration in leadership development programs for young adults and emerging clergy. This partnership aims to enhance global awareness, nurture theological reflection, and cultivate leaders with a profound understanding of global ministry.

The partnership focuses on two core initiatives: the Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) Global Awareness Cohort and the Theological Fellows Leadership Program (TFLP), each designed to address the pressing need for leaders who are globally conscious and equipped to engage in transformational ministry.

Key Objectives:

  1. Multi-Ministry Leadership Development: Programs will be framed within a post-colonial, anti-racist perspective, fostering global engagement and awareness.
  2. Leveraging Subject Matter Experts: Global Relations Ministers and Week of Compassion personnel will serve as essential resources for these programs.
  3. Immersive Experiences: Co-designed trips and experiential learning opportunities will allow participants to gain firsthand insights into global communities.
  4. Formation of Theological Fellows: A cohort model for emerging clergy will be developed to integrate theological learning with global perspectives.

Undergraduate Global Awareness Cohort
As part of HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program, third-year students will participate in a Global Awareness Trip, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and exploring global interconnectedness. HELM will handle cohort registrations and facilitate collaboration with DOM/GM and WOC to plan these transformative experiences.

 Global Theological Fellows Leadership Program (GTF)
The GTF will annually select 10-12 theological fellows to engage in quarterly learning sessions and a global immersion trip. This program, rooted in theology and designed collaboratively, will foster a global perspective and equip clergy to serve with a deep commitment to social justice and global ministry.

“This partnership represents a vital step forward in preparing the next generation of leaders for ministry in a globally interconnected world,” said Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, President of HELM. “By working together, we can ensure that our young adults and emerging clergy are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and faith foundation needed to lead with compassion and engage meaningfully with diverse communities.”

Timeline and Next Steps
The programs will officially launch in Spring 2025 with applications for the first TFLP cohort opening in January. Quarterly sessions for the inaugural cohort will begin in Fall 2025, with the first global immersion trip scheduled for Summer 2026.

This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of HELM, DOM/GM, and WOC to equip leaders who are ready to respond to the complex challenges of ministry with wisdom, compassion, and a global vision.

For More Information on the Ministries:

Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
Week of Compassion

 

 

 

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries Welcomes 2025 with Promising Initiatives

As we step into 2025, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) is excited to focus on growth and connection under the theme “Bringing Students and Resources Together.” Our mission is to be the premier landing place for students from high school through post-graduate studies, offering them the support and resources they need to succeed.

We are thrilled to announce several key initiatives that will propel our ministry forward among Disciples and ecumenical partners this year:

First and foremost, we are pleased to announce that all scholarships are now open and accessible online! This is an exceptional opportunity for students to secure financial support for their educational journeys. Additionally, our 2025 Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) cohort is in full swing, featuring 16 high school youth alongside dedicated adult leaders, speakers, and mentors. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Symposium, visit youthleadershipsymposium.org.

In an exciting development, we are proud to unveil a historic partnership between HELM, Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries, and Week of Compassion. This collaboration will enrich our undergraduate Leadership Fellows and new Emerging Clergy Theological Fellow cohorts with invaluable global leadership educational experiences throughout the year. We are launching an intentional training program for seminarians and alternative track emerging clergy, focused on global relations, theology, and ministry. This cohort will engage in online learning and travel experiences to build relationships with our partners abroad. Interested candidates can apply for this scholarship-based opportunity through the HELM website.

As we celebrate the arrival of a new year, we also welcome new members to our Board: Rev. Dr. Peter Goodwin Heltzel, Rev. Dr. Jose Francisco Morales, and Rev. Dr. Doug Searcy, who will serve as the Chair of the Council on Colleges & Universities. We extend our gratitude to those who completed their service on our Board at the end of 2024, including Sarah Little, Rev. Dr. Lester Newman, and Pam Sparks. Their significant contributions have profoundly impacted HELM and the life of the church, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication.

HELM remains committed to stewarding financial resources to develop and support student leadership, and in this spirit, we are pleased to share our strengthened partnership with the Christian Church Foundation (CCF). Moving forward, HELM’s investments will be collaboratively managed with CCF, and we express our appreciation for those who have faithfully stewarded these impactful resources thus far.

Looking ahead, HELM is dedicated to nurturing leadership for “a time such as this.” We celebrate students who possess a well-rounded background grounded in community and faith, equipping them to become thoughtful, socially just, and compassionate leaders. Together, let us embark on this exciting journey in 2025, as we continue to empower the next generation of church and community leaders!

 

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

Disciples Seminarians Summer Immersion in International Disaster Response

Phillips Board Names F. Douglas Powe, Jr. President of Phillips Theological Seminary

Phillips Board Names F. Douglas Powe, Jr. President of Phillips Theological Seminary
Tulsa, Oklahoma, December 10, 2024 — Following a national search, the Board of Trustees of Phillips Theological Seminary has named the Rev. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., PhD as the school’s next president. Powe comes to Phillips from Wesley Theological Seminary where he currently serves as director of The Lewis Center for Church Leadership and the James C. Logan Chair in Evangelism (an E. Stanley Jones Professorship).
“We had several outstanding candidates who could lead Phillips into the future, and Dr. Powe’s perspectives on the future of theological education and the church demonstrated a visionary and hopeful approach,” said Claire Meredith, chair of the seminary’s board of trustees and the presidential search committee.
“Powe has an impressive record in leading, teaching and publishing,” Meredith said. “His work in evangelism, leadership development, rural and urban ministry will be valuable to Phillips as we continue to find new ways to live out our mission and vision.”
Besides leading the Lewis Center at Wesley Theological Seminary, Powe also served as Professor of Evangelism and Urban Ministry. He also taught at Saint Paul School of Theology, Spelman College and the Candler School of Theology.
“Phillips is uniquely positioned to help lead continued transformation in the church and community,” Powe said.  “While some seminaries are scaling back, Phillips is growing with its multiple ministry centers and the building of a new residential hospitality center called Bedford House. The more I’ve learned about Phillips, the more thrilled I am to become part of the seminary community.”
Powe is an ordained elder in the Baltimore/Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He received his BA from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1987, his MDiv from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1998, and his PhD from Emory University in 2004.
The search was led by a nine-member committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. The committee included board members, along with faculty, staff, and alum representation. The finalists also met with students, faculty and staff as part of the selection process. Academic Search assisted Phillips in the selection process. Powe will formally become president on January 31, 2025.
Phillips will host an inaugural service next fall and a special reception during the 2025 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly in Memphis, Tenn. to welcome Powe to the seminary as its new president.
About Phillips Theological Seminary
Phillips Theological Seminary offers Christian graduate theological education in service of intelligent, just, and compassionate religious and civic communities. Phillips welcomes students to a safe and brave space for truth-seeking conversations about the Bible, Jesus, and faithful living. Learn more at www.ptstulsa.edu.

A Message of Gratitude From Jim Cullumber

I hope you take the time to read Anna Whittle’s reflection on her Leadership Fellows retreat to the Arizona-Mexico border. It is a poignant testimony of what she and the other 35 Leadership Fellows saw and experienced.

I was honored and grateful to join them. It was heart-wrenching to see firsthand the inhumanity. Yet it also was eye-opening and encouraging to see these college students wrestle with the issues before them, asking poignant questions, showing both empathy and compassion and seeking ways to make a difference.

Oh, if only I had this opportunity as a young person! Our Disciples congregations strive to nurture our children, youth and young adults, but exposure to something of this magnitude is outside the reach of most.

Fortunately, the Disciples of Christ has the Leadership Fellows program – providing nearly 40 college students with an annual scholarship and the opportunity to have life-changing experiences during their 4 years in the program. Perhaps 20 percent may pursue a vocation in ministry or theological education, yet all will carry what they see, what they felt, who they met and how they were changed forever as they become leaders in their congregations, communities and businesses.

It costs HELM about $16,000 for each Leadership Fellow for the 4-year program. This covers their scholarship for 4 years, as well as expenses related to their 4 fall retreats, the books they are required to read and the technology that allows each co-hort to virtually meet with a volunteer mentor. Another big chunk covers their global immersion trip in the spring of their 3rd year in the program. In partnership with Disciples Overseas Missions, a group this year went to Japan. In 2023, a group went to the Israel-Palestine border. These trip open their eyes to different cultures and a wide range of social justice and ecological issues – all framed within a theological context.

I’m grateful the Disciples offers this type of scholarship and program. I’m thankful for past leaders of HELM who saw a need, and the donors who stepped up to start and undergird this program. 

And now it is our turn. In this season of Thanksgiving, please consider a gift to HELM at https://helmdisciples.org/donate/ to allow HELM to sustain and enhance this transformative program and show these students they are part of a Church that cares about them and their future. The Leadership Fellows stands alongside the Youth Leadership Symposium and the handful of scholarships we provide to seminarians and PhD students as HELM strives to support and resource students to become diverse leaders able to navigate an ever-evolving society with grace, wisdom and compassion. Every gift does make a difference!

Jim Cullumber

Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning

 

P.S. We appreciate the support many congregations and their members provide to higher education through the Thanksgiving Special Day Offering collected this. These funds get shared by the 22 colleges, universities, seminaries and divinity houses that have a historical connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). While HELM supports this offering, none of the contributions are held and used by HELM.

Hope and Fear: The Dual Forces Shaping Leadership

 

Leadership is a word imbued with significance. The implications of who we choose or allow to lead us impact not only our freedoms but also our future opportunities. By the time this reflection reaches the public, we will have voted as a nation, selecting leadership that can affect our lives in ways that are largely beyond our comprehension. Voting is about showing up and exercising our right to have our voices heard.

As I write this reflection, on the eve of November 5th, we find ourselves in a moment of uncertainty, unaware of the outcomes stemming from our choices, our participation, and, in some cases, our silence. In good conscience, as an organization dedicated to education and leadership development, we too must life our voices. Therefore, I want to take a moment to explore the work of leadership.

There are myriad reasons we select leaders; yet two of the greatest motivators are often direct opposites: hope and fear. We hope for change that can bring about better lives for all of us. We hope for growth and development toward opportunities that sustain life and foster community. While I’ve often heard the phrase “hope is not a plan,” Romans 8:24-25 offers an alternative approach:

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

This hope serves as a reminder that God is with us, waiting and endures alongside us. “The New Revised Standard Version translates the end of verse 25 as ‘we wait for it with patience,’ but the Greek term ‘hypomonēs’ conveys a deeper meaning of endurance— ‘we wait with endurance’.”¹ For what then does hope endure? Hope waits for God’s love, poured out by the Holy Spirit, to inform our deliberations, our voice and our actions. Some may argue that politics and theological perspectives should remain separate. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that true hope is born from love—a love that encourages us to envision a better future together.

On the other hand, the alternative to hope is fear. Fear is often a significant, and sometimes more powerful, driver in our choices of leadership and in the formation of leaders. Fear carries an intrinsic paradox: unlike hope, fear can be perceived as “a plan.” In our current political climate, leadership requires a keen understanding of the complex and tumultuous landscape we navigate. In a context of fear, a leader’s ability to inspire, unite, and drive positive loving change is more vital than ever.

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) nurtures student leaders by sharing insights and experiences that illuminate the world they inhabit. This commitment is exemplified by recent initiatives like the Caminantes Board Immersion, led by Rev. Pedro Goycolea and HELM’s Rev. Lee Yates. Leadership Fellows immersive programs are designed to deepen emerging leaders’ understanding through theological reflection, cultivating the wisdom and care necessary to foster inclusive, loving and effective leadership practices.

In addition to the election of new leadership in this country, we are also approaching a season of Thanksgiving. In this season, we lift HELM’s community of higher education. We give thanks for the people who teach our students and the administrators who lead our partner institutions. We are particularly grateful for our donors whose generous support makes the development of future leaders possible. The commitment to giving ensures that initiatives like the Caminantes Board Immersion can continue, cultivating leaders who are not only aware of their surroundings but also equipped to anchor their communities in hope toward a brighter future.

Let me close by saying again, effective leadership is crucial in today’s political environment, where the stakes are high, and challenges are multifaceted. As we express our gratitude this Thanksgiving, let us remember the importance of nurturing leadership that is informed, empathetic, loving, hopeful, and grounded in service to others. Leadership transcends mere decision-making; it is about serving others with integrity, accountability and compassion – for this we endure!

 

 

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

 

¹West, Audrey, https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/day-of-pentecost-2/commentary-on-romans-822-27

Become a Peace Intern!

What is a Peace Intern?

DPF Chalice Logo (large).jpg

For nearly fifty years, DPF’s Peace Intern program has provided a vital witness for peace within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, Peace Interns are young adults who provide educational and program support at church camps and other church-related assemblies and events about peace and justice issues, serving as counselors and resource people, and modeling the lifestyle of peacemakers for youth and adults alike. In recent years Peace Interns have also partnered with Disciples Justice Ministries groups to work on specific projects in the name of living out the gospel imperative for peace and justice.

Since 1975, more than 100 young people have served as Peace Interns in hundreds of church camps and conferences. The DPF Peace Intern program has had a lasting impact both on the interns and the youth of our church. Interns have gone on to become pastors, professors, social workers, human rights activists, and other peacemakers in our communities and world. Our youth have been exposed to new ideas and issues and challenged to confront their own responsibility as citizens of a global community.

What is the Intern Experience like?

Interns travel primarily independently and are immersed in new communities of faith across the country, developing their own ideas and passions, practicing relationship-building, workshop/small group planning and facilitation, and accepting hospitality along the way. It is a transformative summer experience unlike any other!

The Peace Intern summer experience begins with Training Week in late May. Peace Interns are trained by denominational leaders, peace and justice experts and other notable teachers to prepare them for their summer experience. Before and during Training Week, each intern also works to develop their own passions into workshops that are taught throughout the summer. After Training Week, Peace Interns travel mostly independently to host events all over the country and spend approximately one week immersed in new and temporary communities (usually DOC church camps). In recent summers Peace Interns have also had “remote work weeks” where they partner with grassroots Disciples Justice Ministries (such as AllianceQ, Refugee & Immigration Ministries, Green Chalice, and Reconciliation Ministries) and ecumenical/interfaith peace groups (such as the Inter-Religious Task Force on Central America and the Fellowship of Reconciliation) to work on specific projects that further the faithful work of these organizations.

Throughout the summer Peace Interns represent Disciples Peace Fellowship and the General Church while facilitating workshops about peace and justice issues as well as participating as a member of the event’s leadership staff (usually as a camp counselor, but sometimes as a leader at a denominational event, chaperone at a mission gathering, facilitators for online events, resource people for justice topics, etc.). The summer also includes a Closing Retreat (in early August) for the interns to come together, share time with peers to decompress and to discuss, examine and evaluate their experiences. This is sacred time to reflect and learn from the internship and a very important part of DPF’s life-changing program

How can I help?

The DPF Intern Program is an important ministry of DPF that needs your support. Encourage young people interested in peace and justice to apply to become a peace intern. Request an intern for your camp, conference or justice ministry, or donate to DPF’s Kirby Page Fund to support the Peace Intern program.

Want to know more?

Fill out the form on this page to get connected with DPF Mission Director, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, who would love to share more information about our Intern Program!

A Season of Change

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) remains dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging leaders in higher education and ministry preparation. This commitment is once again highlighted as HELM proudly announces the recipients of our 2024-2025 HELM Scholarships.

The recipients, celebrated in this Digest, represent a diverse and talented group of individuals who have shown exceptional promise in their respective areas of interest and academic pursuits. HELM’s mission is to “resource and empower diverse leaders” providing financial assistance and mentorship to future leaders, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

As families and HELM’s partner institutions gear up for the upcoming fall term of the 2024-2025 academic year, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. Students are eager to dive into their studies, armed with the knowledge that they have the support of organizations like HELM behind them every step of the way. The journey towards higher education can be daunting, but with the backing of dedicated mentors and scholarships like the ones offered by HELM, students are encouraged to reach new heights and achieve their full potential.

In addition to providing financial aid and scholarships, HELM also recognizes the importance of practical experience and hands-on leadership training. That is why HELM Leadership Fellows are gearing up for their fall leadership retreat, which is set to take place alongside the Caminantes and the Disciples Border Initiative in Tucson, Arizona. This retreat offers fellows a unique opportunity to engage with real-world issues, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and hone their leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Celebration is in the air as HELM also acknowledges the leadership changes within various educational institutions. It is a time to bid farewell to esteemed leaders who have dedicated their careers to shaping the minds of future generations and to welcome new faces who will carry the torch forward. Dr. Nancy Pittman’s retirement from Phillips Theological Seminary marks the end of an era, while Rev. Gary Kidwell’s appointment as Interim signifies a new chapter for the institution.

Similarly, the installations of Dr. Stephen S. Cady as President of Brite Divinity School, Dr. Lisa W. Davison as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean and the Johnnie Eargle Cadieux Professor of Hebrew Bible of Phillips Theological Seminary, and Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie, the first Black person and woman to serve as Dean at the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University mark the beginning of exciting new ventures in the world of higher education and ministry.

Dr. Nancy Pittman’s legacy at Phillips Theological Seminary is one of innovation, compassion, and dedication to academic excellence. Her leadership has guided countless students on their educational journeys and her presence will be greatly missed. As Rev. Gary Kidwell steps into the role of Interim, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to continuing the mission of the seminary. Under his guidance, Phillips Theological Seminary is poised to thrive and grow, building upon the strong foundation laid down by Dr. Pittman.

Similarly, as Dr. Lisa Davison steps into the role of Dean at Phillips Theological Seminary, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in theological education. Her focus on community engagement and spiritual formation promises to enrich the academic experience for students and faculty alike. As Dean, Dr. Davison will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the seminary and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and spiritual growth.

Meanwhile, at Brite Divinity School, Dr. Stephen Cady’s installation as President heralds a new era of leadership and growth. With a vision for inclusivity, social justice, and academic rigor, Dr. Cady is set to lead Brite Divinity School towards even greater heights of excellence. His passion for education and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders make him a fitting choice to steer the school into the future.

Lastly, at the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University, Rev. Dr. Cherisna Jean-Marie’s appointment as Dean of the Divinity House signals a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to nurturing emerging leaders in ministry. With a background in pastoral care, social justice advocacy, and interfaith dialogue, Rev. Dr. Jean-Marie brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her leadership is sure to inspire students to engage meaningfully with the world around them and to live out their calling with passion and purpose.

As we reflect on these leadership changes and congratulate those who are retiring or taking on new roles, one thing remains clear: the future of higher education and ministry is in good hands. At HELM, we will continue to pave the way “bringing student and resources together” for current and aspiring leaders to thrive, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. With scholarships, mentorship programs, leadership retreats, and a continued commitment to excellence, HELM is shaping the next generation of leaders who will go on to transform the world around them. The road ahead is filled with promise and potential, as emerging leaders step up to “navigate and influence an ever-evolving society with grace, wisdom and compassion” and to meet the challenges of tomorrow with courage and conviction.