Aly Barnes

I am Alyson (Aly) Barnes, and I am a graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. In high school, I took part in Feminist Club, Recycling Club, Spanish Honor Society, Earth Club, Young Democrats Club, and played the flute. I was part of the swim team and always stayed active. Starting this fall, I will pursue my interest in Sociology and Spanish at Chapman University in Orange, California. At my local church in Indianapolis, I have taken part in the food pantry as well as being a deacon. I hope to continue this at a congregation in Orange. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge at Chapman this fall as well as exploring my faith. I hope to take part in numerous clubs and opportunities at Chapman, involving Spanish or community outreach. I enjoy meeting new people, spending time outside, coffee trips, and thrifting. I am excited for the new opportunities ahead, including exploring college, adult life, and faith with the other HELM fellows!

Hannah Dunn-Helton

My name is Hannah Dunn-Helton and I am from Seven Hills, Ohio. In the fall I will be attending Kenyon College, where I plan to major in English with a focus in creative writing and minor in Spanish. In high school, I was involved in the marching band as band president and sousaphone section leader; the orchestra as first chair violin; National Honors Society as treasurer; the environmental club; and the poetry club. I was the second violin sectional coach for both my junior and senior years. Both of my parents are ordained in the Disciples of Christ and my father currently serves as the pastor at St. Peter UCC. When the pandemic started and my church began streaming our worship services, I assumed the role of Facebook Worship Service Producer. This is a role I continue serving today. I recently worked at the polls during a local election and hope to continue doing so in the future. Two of my passions are reading and writing. My favorite books are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Pride and Prejudice, and Kafka on the Shore. I write a lot of poetry, as well as some short fiction, and I plan to write a novel one day. I’ve had one poem published already and hope to publish again soon. Another of my passions is music! I have played or am learning to play violin, sousaphone, saxophone, guitar, and ukulele. In the past few months, I’ve picked up embroidery and can often be found working on a piece while watching Netflix. I love exploring the outdoors and am passionate about the environment! My younger sibling and I go hiking and biking in our local metro park, and my goal is to visit every national park in the future. 

Eugene Lim

Hello! My name is Eugene Lim. I am a Canadian-born Korean from Nashville, TN. Some of my hobbies are watching movies, listening to, and making music. In high school, I sang in the choir and participated in the Midstate honors choir. I also played a small role in my school’s rendition of “West Side Story.” Music has been a big part of my life and I hope that one day I will make music that will inspire people. At church, I led in worship at the English service by playing guitar, I pushed for the youth group to have weekly Bible studies, and I live-streamed the church service during the pandemic. I will be attending Boston College this fall and I hope to learn about leadership and business to make a positive impact on this world. I am excited to be part of this program!

Hope Riester

Hope Riester lives in Annandale, Virginia and is a graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School. She is a member of First Christian Church of Falls Church, VA. At Edison HS, Hope was a member of the Academic Team, Desk Chief of News for the school newspaper, President of the Latin Honor Society, and co-founded the school’s linguistics club. She will be attending Transylvania University, where she intends to pursue an interdisciplinary major in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She also intends to swim on their swim team. Hope is Passionate about advocacy and communication, and wants to work in government. She likes to study history and economics, especially through the lens of income inequality. In her free time, Hope likes to bake, read, write, and talk to her friends. She aims to study abroad during her education, especially in Germany.

Nina Rivera Figueroa

My name is Nina Rivera Figueroa, and I attend Central Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN. There, I am an active member of the congregation, specifically serving as a deacon. I also participate in activities for the youth. This fall, I will be an incoming freshman at Indiana University Bloomington, where I will be majoring in Media. As a Media major, I hope to concentrate in Film, Television, and Digital Production. In college I hope to make new friends and make connections that could help me professionally in the future. Another thing I hope to do is develop my identity in a new place. In high school, I was involved in Spanish Honor Society and Young Democratic Socialists of America, which avidly reflected my interests and talents. 

Libby Skaggs

Libby Skaggs graduated from Mansfield High School this past May after spending seven years in MISD (Macomb Intermediate School District.) An Oklahoma native, Libby was born in Tulsa before moving to Texas in the 5th grade. During high school, Libby was active in many programs including color guard, theatre, Gay-Straight Alliance, and student council. She held leadership positions in various clubs including president of her church youth group and founder of GSA. Libby is excited to attend Culver-Stockton College in the fall where she will be double-majoring in Political Science and Journalism. Libby is excited to combine her two passions to help improve her community.

Hannah Stanley

I am a rising freshman at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Biomedical Engineering. During the summer, I conducted research at the University of Louisville on Creating Nanofibers via Electrospinning with Certain Electrical and Mechanical Properties and presented at Montana State University at the National REU Convocation in August. 

While in high school, I was a student ambassador and president of the Health and Science Club while also participating in microbiology research with Dr. Janelle Hare, researching the effects of arabinose and DNA damage treatments on the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, presenting it at the national ASBMB conference in Seattle, WA. 

I was a member of the Stewardship Team within my church, meeting monthly with the pastors to discuss budget, future plans for the congregation, and necessary next steps to ensure success. I also participated in outreach service projects such as our food distribution program, school supply drive, and Worship and Wonder for the little children. 

Outside of the classroom, I am an avid piano player and reader (mostly fantasy and historical fiction). I love to relax and watch Netflix with someone else or go on a run or bike ride outside if the weather permits. Most importantly though, I can’t wait to be a member of this Leadership Fellow program and am excited to meet everyone else!

Press Release

Indianapolis, IN 

May 22, 2023

The T.A. Abbott Award for Faculty Excellence was established and funded by the Abbott family in honor of the Rev. T.A. Abbott, who was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1879. He attended Christian University, now Culver-Stockton College, which he later served as a trustee for 20 years. Throughout the 1880’s and early 1890’s, Abbott pastored local congregations in Missouri from 1886-1910, and was corresponding secretary of the Missouri Christian Missionary Society. He died in 1914. 

The award honoring the Rev. T.A. Abbott is presented to: (1) A professor who by the strength of his or her teaching and personal example, inspires the student toward excellence; and whose underlying educational philosophy, irrespective of academic discipline, is wholeness of person; (2) A professor who continues to grow and learn in his or her academic discipline; and (3) A professor who manifests a personal faith. 

The Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) meeting in Indianapolis, IN, April 21-23, 2023, by unanimous consent presents the distinguished 2023 T.A. Abbott Award for Faculty Excellence to Dr. Sarah Riskind, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Chorale at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. 

According to Dr. Ann Fulop, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Eureka College, Dr. Riskind “exemplifies the spirit of the award. Dr. Riskind’s goals for her students includes programming repertoire in a variety of styles with significant representation of women, Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) composers, teaching students to read music, teaching students to use their voices more effectively, and fostering warm close-knit community.”  Dr. Fulop continues: “Dr. Riskind’s curation of the repertoire also inspires students because they see themselves represented in the composers . . . Dr. Riskind teaches students to recognize, accept, and celebrate the diversity amongst humanity . . . She specializes in Judeo-Spanish and Sephardic music. She has recently discovered a prolific 16th century convent composer, Raphael Aleotti.”  

Students of Dr. Riskind “have performed music written by women, Black American composers, Robert A. Harris and Adolphus Hailstork, and Latin American music from the colonial period to the 20th century. She has also included Irish and French-Canadian fiddle music in concerts.”

One statement stands out among all others: “As she shares her faith with students, she is opening the door for them to explore and share their own faiths and spiritual lives through their music.”

The entire Disciples academic community extends its congratulations to Dr. Sarah Riskind by honoring her with the T.A. Abbott Award for Faculty Excellence. The award comes with a stipend of $1,000 and an engraved plaque to be presented during a public ceremony at Eureka College at a time yet to be determined. 

Press Release, 

Indianapolis, IN, 

May 22, 2023

The Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual for a lifetime of achievement in cementing the ties between the Disciples and church-related higher education. This person becomes the Alexander Campbell of our day whose faith and vision assure that there will continue to be church-related institutions and ministries that nourish the learning, the science, the arts, the religion, and morals in our day. It is fitting that Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) call the attention of all Disciples to these modern, intellectual, and spiritual giants in order that their commitment and service to church-related higher education may become an inspiration for all Disciples. 

The Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) at its meeting in Indianapolis, IN, April 21-23, 2023, by unanimous consent awards the 2023 Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker, 17th President of Jarvis Christian College, now University. Dr. Jenkins-Booker is the first black woman in our church’s history to serve as a Disciples College and University President.

Dr. Jenkins-Booker joins former recipients of this award: D. Duane Cummins (1991), Thomas J. Liggett (1993), William E. Tucker (1995), Fred B. Craddock (1997), Ronald E. Osborn (1999); and, John L. Butler (2001). Dr. Jenkins-Booker has provided significant and unusually committed service  to the cause of church-related higher education. 

Born on a farm in Learned, Mississippi, Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker chose a life in education, inspired by her mother, a one room school principal. In 1991, Jenkins was inaugurated as the first woman President of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, one of our historic black colleges. She was the first African American Administrator at both Mississippi State and the University of Akron, Ohio. She spent 50 years in education and 17 years as President of Jarvis. 

Dr. Jenkins-Booker will receive the Alexander Campbell Distinguished Service Award at the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) Dinner at General Assembly in Louisville, KY, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 530-7:00pm. You can reserve your tickets when you register for the General Assembly.

William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship Recipient: 

Young Kang

Young Kang is a PhD candidate in the New Testament at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. His research focuses on exploring the experiences of marginalized diasporic communities in the United States, particularly Korean Americans, through a postcolonial lens in Pauline studies. Young’s scholarly endeavors are driven by his desire to contribute to the greater theological dialogue and empower the next generation of Korean American churches. 

As a Korean American, Young is deeply aware of the challenges faced by the community within the broader American cultural context. He envisions a community where individuals can authentically engage with their faith, find support and encouragement, and actively participate in the mission of the Church. This vision stems from his deep desire to bridge the generational, cultural, and language gaps widely experienced by second-generation Korean Americans in traditional Korean churches. 

Young is currently under care for ordination with the Pacific Southwest Region, serving Yedidyah Christian Church in Norwalk, California as an assistant pastor. Yedidyah Christian Church envisions a multi-ethnic church community of worship and arts created by God’s beloved people and God-loving people. With his passion for biblical studies and dedication to nurturing the faith of others, he is eager to continue growing as a servant leader and making a positive impact in the Christian Church and broader community.

Ann E. Dickerson Scholarship Recipients:

Lynnette Li

Lynnette is working on her PhD at the University of Denver-ILIFF School of Theology’s joint doctoral program. For the past six years, Lynnette has been involved with theological consultations, research, and program development with the Council for World Mission. Their denominational involvement includes serving on the General Board of the General Assembly, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, and participating in the youth programming team for the General Assemblies of 2013 and 2015. Lynnette is a proud member of Central Christian Church (Indianapolis, IN). They currently serve on the board of the Disciples Home Missions. They hope to contribute their scholarship, advocacy, and research to energize the ongoing work of the Disciples’ work toward being a movement for wholeness in a broken and fragmented world.

Ruth Schulenberg

Ruth serves as Director for Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education at Oregon State Hospital, a forensic psychiatric facility, while also working on her PhD dissertation at Brite Divinity School. She currently is recruiting narrative study participants from around the country to engage in 1:1 interviews and small visual-verbal focus groups exploring “Factors in Personal and Collective Resilience and Vocational Commitment Among Mental Health Care Workers During and Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Her first interview with a study participant affirmed her excitement about this opportunity to talk with people about the personal, relational, and systemic factors that strengthen and undermine their resilience in and commitment to their care and advocacy for people living with mental illness. 

Ruth has ministerial standing with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is a member of Salem First Christian Church in Salem, Oregon, while remaining a ministry partner with The Gathering, A Womanist Church in Dallas, Texas. After living in Texas and several other states in previous years, she returned in 2021 to Oregon, where she was born and raised. She is grateful for the technology that allows her to live in her home state while staying connected to people across the country and around the world. 

When not working at the hospital or focused on her dissertation, Ruth enjoys time spent with her two small dogs, and sight-seeing, particularly on the Oregon Coast where she is doing some volunteer work with a marine biologist and enjoying whale-watching and other ocean life. Consistent with her dissertation study topic, Ruth finds her own resilience and commitment to her work in the mental health field and in pastoral theology bolstered by regular conversations with colleagues and friends within and outside her field, time immersed in the beauty of creation, and occasional opportunities to engage in art such as painting, mixed-media journaling, collage (which she is using with her study participants), and other creative media.

Zaemelys Ramos-Rodriguez

Zaemelys Ramos-Rodriguez is a member of Casa de Refugio Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Southern California, where she is a graduate student studying to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Zaemelys is very involved in her church and region, serving for over nine years as a worship leader and Sunday school teacher. Along with her involvement with the Church, she is also a freelance digital artist and after-school teacher. 

Zaemelys feels a calling from God to serve her church and community through psychology, specifically, and to partner with Latin American communities to create culturally relevant interventions and accessible, affordable mental health care. She is currently working on a research project to bring a Christian-based mental health literacy workshop to Latin American churches, hopefully reducing faith-based stigma and increasing positive attitudes toward seeking mental health services. 

After graduating, Zaemelys plans to collaborate with churches within the Pacific Southwest Region and various Disciples organizations, such as the National Benevolent Association, to promote mental health care within the church, and to find innovative ways to bring about accessible mental health screenings and culturally responsive approaches to increase mental health literacy. 

HELM Ph.D. Book Award Recipients:

Jason Coker

Jason Coker is the Co-Lead Minister at The Oceanside Sanctuary in Oceanside, California where he has served since 2015. He earned his M.A. at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2010, and is currently a second year Ph.D. student in Fuller’s Intercultural Studies program where his research focuses on developing an intercultural theology at the intersection of moral development and religious disaffiliation in the U.S. Jason is also a part-time member of the Human Development faculty at Cal State University San Marcos where he has taught undergraduate courses in human services leadership, social policy and social programs, and human development theories since 2013. He is ordained with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Vineyard Community of Churches, USA. 

Jason’s doctoral research is directly connected to his deep concern for how religion has been co-opted by powerful interests in the U.S. to harm marginalized people. He is highly active in ecumenical, interfaith, and faith-based community organizing efforts in the San Diego area to advocate for just policy changes and has served as a board member for The San Diego Organizing Project, a local federation of PICO California. He is the founder of the North County Clergy Coalition, a fellowship of over three dozen interfaith clergy in North San Diego County. Through this coalition, Jason spearheaded the Trans Ally Clergy of San Diego campaign in 2022 to defend the rights of transgender persons coming under attack at local school board meetings across the county. He is also active in the Pacific Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), having served as a board member for the PSWR and Co-Chair of the Church Transformation Committee from 2018 to 2022. He is passionate about helping churches adapt to the cultural transitions that are leading to religious disaffiliation, transforming the trajectory of congregational decline at the organizational level, and empowering people of faith to navigate the healthy lifelong processes of spiritual change, growth, and development.

Jason is married to Jenell Coker, with whom he co-leads The Oceanside Sanctuary. They previously worked as partners in ministry to serve small and large congregations in Utah and Ohio for fifteen years before moving to Oceanside in 2008. They have three adult daughters, one grandson, two golden retrievers, and one orange tabby cat.

Dain Alexander Smith

Dain Alexander Smith is a PhD candidate in Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. His research interests are focused on the New Testament, Paul’s Letters, Intertextuality, Hermeneutics, Literary Theory, Postcolonial Theory, and Historical Contexts. 

Dain has published peer-reviewed academic articles in Novum Testamentum and Horizons in Biblical Theology, and he is currently writing his dissertation on the politics of peace in Romans. He also has a growing YouTube channel named, Bible Geek, that produces biblical and theological education that is easily accessible and free. Dain is an ordination candidate, and he is currently the Interim Discipleship Minister at South Elkhorn Christian Church in Lexington Kentucky. Dain met his wife, Jennifer, in a New Testament Greek class, they have been married for seven years, and they work together with the youth in their church community. 

At the foundation of Dain’s vocational and academic goals is the desire to help the Church understand how the Bible relates to their faith and practice. When people misunderstand the Bible, the Bible can become weaponized and used against people to promulgate harmful ideologies like xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny, Christian nationalism, and more. However, when people have a proper understanding of God, Scripture, and themselves, they can live in the love Christ calls them to—a love that unites all people in equality, justice, and peace. Thus, as a Disciples of Christ minister and scholar, Dain sees himself as someone who calls people into a deeper love of Scripture so that they can be empowered to love God and neighbor.

Gloria Carr

My Name is Gloria Carr. I am an African American woman, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a nurse who is a Spirit-led, compassionate child of God. I serve as Elder in my church and have held leadership positions within my regional church. Currently, I am journeying toward the goal of matriculating with a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, focusing on Chaplaincy and Spiritual Formation and Renewal. 

God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful life. He has allowed his permissive will throughout my life—I have experienced and accomplished much success from a “human’s” perspective. However, I currently desire, and thus seek, His perfect will. I’ve been bartering with God for a few years now about seminary, practicing Gideon’s confirmation and affirmation strategies. I have asked God to show me, this way or that, what he wants me to do—what his perfect will is for me in this season in life. 

In 2019, God brought the idea of chaplaincy full circle for me. While making a hospital visit to a long-time neighbor and friend facing terminal illness, a Chaplain who I worked with when I was an ICU nurse came to pray with my friend. Afterward, I spoke with him about his chaplaincy work. I remembered his great heart for people and his simple, yet powerful prayers. I felt a sense of peace as I talked with him, and it led me to again consider chaplaincy and seminary in my next season. 

In my spirit, heart, and mind, I believe God is calling me to chaplaincy. Therefore, I have moved forward in faith, accepting the call to seminary. Further, I trust that God will continue to shape me as I move along the journey. I’m anticipating that God, the True Potter, will mold and shape me into who He has purposed for such a time as this. 

Sarah Gershon

I have lived in a Catholic Worker for most of my adult life, offering hospitality in our guest room to people without secure housing. I currently work at First Christian Church Bloomington as the associate pastor overseeing Faith Formation and Outreach. I volunteer with New Leaf New Life, teaching re-entry classes in the local jail. I love Sacred Harp singing, helping to start a singing in Indianapolis, and regularly singing with a group in Bloomington. I am interested in pursuing a PhD related to theology and transformative justice after I complete my MDiv/MTS degree. I hope to continue to pastor at least part time in a church that seeks to embody Christ’s transformative work of accountability, repair, reconciliation, and restoration in community.

Olivia Gray

I am a ministry partner at The Gathering, A Womanist Church in Dallas, Texas. I sing with The Voices of The Gathering. This year I am beginning my second year of work toward a Master of Divinity at Brite Seminary. School has been both challenging and rewarding, but every year I am given evidence that I am meant to be doing this work. 

My call as I understand it now is to focus on all elderly seniors, but especially the LGBTQIA+ community, making sure that our rights to services and fair housing are provided. I also see myself visiting the sick and shut-ins bringing communion and a snippet-of-a-sermon to them. The Gathering has an outreach ministry to the homeless that I work with, delivering hot meals every second Sunday of the month. 

Finding The Gathering in 2017 saved my life, gave me purpose, and confirmed the belief that I could say “YES” to my call while being a woman. Being there makes me feel safe, welcomed, and seen. Not many churches can say that about LGBTQIA+ folks, but at The Gathering we have a visible seat at the table including and especially on Sunday mornings. The co-Pastors lead by example, being at rallies and marches in our Capitol, and supporting our programs brought before them. This is the kind of church I want to foster and see more and more churches emulate. 

Chris Owens

Chris is a second-year student at the Lexington Theological Seminary where he is in the Master of Divinity program. He is currently the Interim Pastor at Murray First Christian Church in Kentucky. Chris lives in Paducah, Kentucky with his wife, Jean. They have five children and were recently blessed with their first grandchild. After seminary Chris hopes to be a congregational minister.

Erma A. Sinclair

Erma A. Sinclair is a Los Angeles, California native pursuing her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Erma’s ministry focus is at the intersection of Black church studies, trauma-informed ministry, gender, and sexuality. As an organizer and advocate for spiritual healing, health care access, and communal flourishing, Erma is committed to holding space for sacred stories and leading life-giving ministries.

Brenda Velazquez

My name is Brenda Alicia Velázquez-Morales. I am 61 years old and have been married to Chaplain Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales for 26 years. I have three brothers: Miguel Angel, Héctor Luis, and Damaris, and my father lives with me. My mom is waiting for her Savior, resting in peace for 5 years. I am originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, but I was raised in Ceiba, the most beautiful East Coast site on the Island. 

I am an Executive Secretary and worked at Nevarez & Villavicencio Construction Co. for about 28 years until I was married. For six years I was a Secretary for our Disciples of Christ Hispanic Convention in the Florida Region and was also involved with the DOC Hispanic Women’s Ministry as a secretary and activities’ planner, which I continue to support today. Several times I served as a volunteer for Assembles of our National Disciples Christian Church. I also love to read, sing, decorate, do makeovers, cook and bake, sew, and travel. I also love to teach and preach the Word of God. I do not have my own, but I love kids. I also love nature, and one of my passions is gardening (my favorite hobby). 

I received my call to ministry in 1994 at a United Church of Christ Assembly Saturday night youth service. For many years I thought being a Pastor’s wife was enough, but the Lord had something more for me. God called me to Asbury Theological Seminary! During 2021-22 I studied at Lexington Theological Seminary, and have returned to ATS to finish my MDiv. 

My lovely church is First Christian Church in Deland, FL where I serve as Ordained Chair of the Elder’s Ministry. With great joy I represent my church as a missionary for Garden of Eden Health Center in Jayuya, Puerto Rico where, once a year, I do administrative and organizational office work. 

Today I am under care of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) COM (Commission on Ministry) of the Florida Region. My goal is to continue serving the body of Christ and community with all the talents and gifts the Lord has given me.  

Alive, Thriving & Taking Off!

Energy and vibrant worship describe our time together in Louisville for the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We came away reignited by a spirit of joy and grateful for our community. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew, leader of Convocation, captured my imagination with her brilliant and poetic statement, “We are about to take off. Fasten your seatbelts!”

The pandemic years reminded us how we need community, friendships, and meaning in our lives. Kinship with one another gives us that sense of belonging which also calls us into responsibility for one another. I have always loved the African concept of “ubuntu,” that we are made whole in relationship with one another. We thrive when our brothers and sisters thrive. We suffer when our brothers and sisters suffer. Together, and only together, we are the Kingdom of God.

In this issue, we at HELM celebrate our ability to assist our students, across institutions, to be successful. You will meet our scholarship recipients, our new Leadership Fellows cohort, HELM’s 2023 Distinguished Leadership awardees, and hear updates from some of our Disciples institutions.

In a fast-paced, changing world, we are experiencing a time of immense possibility and creative collaboration to meet the demands of the present and future community. To that end, HELM is entering a time of strategic design, revisiting and embracing possibility thinking. We invite your thoughts, vision, and partnership as we look forward. We remain committed to strengthening leadership and providing opportunity for young people seeking and entering college, graduating into first careers, and for our emerging clergy called to serve God in this rapidly changing world.

Yes, indeed, let’s fasten our seatbelts and be ready to take off – for the journey ahead is promising. God is surely doing a new thing can we not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)

Tamara Rodenberg
President
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

The Presidential Search Committee of Brite Divinity School (Fort Worth, TX) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for its next President. Brite seeks a visionary and inspiring leader who has a deep understanding of graduate theological education in the 21^st century, a nuanced understanding of the state of “Church” in our world today, a passion for preparing individuals who are called to serve, and an unwavering commitment to Brite’s vision of a world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice. The next President will both guide and sustain Brite Divinity School as it continues to realize its mission to educate and inspire people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and the community.

Brite Divinity School is one of the premier progressive institutions in graduate theological education. Located on the Texas Christian University Campus in Fort Worth, Texas, Brite Divinity School prepares leaders by focusing on excellent scholarship, pastoral training, and spiritual development through distinctive academic programs. Brite Divinity School reports biennially to the Plenary Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest. It is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Council on Theological Education of the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries.

The faculty is composed of distinguished teacher-scholars who are leaders in the academy, the Church, and public life. In addition to academics, Brite provides comprehensive training and mentorship for ministerial candidates to preach, teach, and shepherd congregations, and it continues to offer educational programs and resources to clergy throughout their careers. Brite also prepares students pursuing vocations in related fields, such as hospital and military chaplaincies and non-profit leadership. Brite offers the following degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy, Biblical Interpretation. Brite engages with the church and community in navigating the changing religious and social landscape of the day, sharing scholarship and spiritual practices while gaining relevant input from clergy and laity. In addition to the degree programs, Brite offers the following programs: supervised ministry, lifelong learning, Ministry Week, The Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity, The Carpenter Initiative on Gender, Sexuality, and Justice, The Soul Center, and various 15-hour non-degree certificate programs.

Brite Divinity School embodies an ecumenical and open spirit. Dedicated denominational programs and recognized partnerships provide the foundation for formation in various traditions and the coursework needed for ordination and standing in a number of Protestant denominations. Brite’s nearly 100 full- and part-time students are diverse, and while most students are from mainline Protestant backgrounds, they represent more than 25 different denominations.

Brite Divinity School is committed to fostering a community engaged in transforming scholarship, justice, and practice. With an advantageous student to faculty ratio and small class sizes that afford extraordinary access to faculty, students work closely with faculty to engage in critical scholarship with commitments to justice that promote the flourishing of all creation. Brite nurtures the gifts required to meet the challenges of congregational leadership, helping churches to grow and thrive as vital communities of faith. In addition, degree programs have been specially designed to equip leaders for non-congregational settings of ministry, with lay and continuing education programs that increase readiness for ministry with particular attention to underserved populations. Beginning in the summer of 2023, all Brite Divinity School master’s students will receive full scholarships covering tuition and fees. The commitment is guaranteed for an initial experimental three-year period, thanks to the generosity of donors who contribute to Brite’s annual fund or have established legacy gifts for scholarships through Brite’s endowment fund.

The President is the executive leader of Brite Divinity School and reports to the Board of Trustees. Reporting to the President are the Executive Vice President and Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Vice President for Advancement, Vice President of Business and Finance, and Director of The Soul Repair Center.

Brite Divinity School seeks a President who will embrace its distinctive mission, be a passionate leader in theological education, embody a courageous and entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrate the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to successfully shape a contemporary seminary/divinity school, and consult with and lead Brite’s community with conviction and enthusiasm. The President will possess significant administrative experience, strong fiscal stewardship experience, and the ability to attract added resources and collaborative partners to Brite. The candidate of choice will be a servant leader with a highly relational approach, outstanding communications skills, humility, authenticity, self-confidence, integrity of the highest order, a strong work ethic, and a clear understanding of graduate theological education and the Church. While the Presidential Search Committee is eager to consider many possible pathways to the Brite presidency, candidates possessing a terminal degree will be preferred. Given Brite’s long-abiding connection to The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), membership in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination is preferred but not required. More details can be found here.

Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The Brite Divinity School Presidential Search Committee will begin to evaluate applications in July 2023. Although applications will be welcomed until the time that a new President is selected, candidates should submit materials no later than August 15, 2023, to ensure fullest consideration. The new President is expected to begin serving in early 2024. Applications should include a letter of candidacy that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the President and a complete résumé or vita. All application materials will be considered in full confidence. Please send all nominations, inquiries, and applications, electronically to:

Julie E. Tea, Managing Director

Julie Williams-Krishnan, Senior Associate

Kate Phillips, Senior Associate

BritePresident@StorbeckSearch.com

Brite Divinity School is committed to providing a positive learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. TCU prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status and any other basis protected by law, in the University’s programs and activities as required by Title IX, Title VII, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable laws and regulations.

The Board of Trustees of Disciples Seminary Foundation (DSF) is pleased to announce Rev. Dr. Christy Newton as the newly appointed Executive Director. She will begin her ministry on August 1. Rev. Dr. Newton will replace Rev. Belva Brown Jordan, who has served as Interim Executive Director of DSF since January 2020.

Since 2013, Rev. Dr. Newton has served as the Senior Pastor at First Christian Church of Vallejo, CA, where her achievements include the mentorship of five student ministers as well as a committed member of a Clergy Women’s Circle of Trust for over 16 years. Rev. Dr. Newton has served at Lexington Theological Seminary since 2011 as Adjunct Professor of Social Ethics, Practice of Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry Faculty Advisor. Her teaching experience also includes work at Pacific School of Religion, San Francisco Theological Seminary, the Graduate Theological Union, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Chapman University, and Yagumo Juko.

Rev. Dr. Newton earned her Ph.D. in 2011 from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, where she won the Chan Prize in Religion and Economics in 2006 and 2007 as well as the Newhall Scholar/Teacher Award in 2008 and 2010. She received her M.Div. in 2000 from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, and was ordained on June 18, 2000 at Arkansas First Christian Church (DOC) in Russellville, AR.

Rev. Dr. Newton is a firm supporter of DSF, having not only been a recipient of its scholarship program but also served on the Board of Trustees as a member and an officer from 2008-2014. The DSF Board of Trustees and staff are excited to begin this new journey with Rev. Dr. Newton and ask that they all be lifted up in prayer as DSF continues to support the formation of emerging theological leaders.

Hiram President David Haney Announces Retirement 

Board of Trustees to Launch Search for New College Leadership 

David P. Haney, Ph.D., is stepping down from his position as president of Hiram College and retiring, effective June 30, 2023. Dr. Haney served as interim president beginning in fall 2020 and was appointed president in June 2021. 

“Dr. Haney’s focus was positioning Hiram to better meet the needs of its students today and in the future,” Board of Trustees Chair Robert Turner said. “He mademeaningful contributions that advanced Hiram’s mission to foster intellectual excellence and social responsibility, enabling our students to thrive in their chosen careers and succeed in life. We thank him for his service, and we certainly wish him the best.” 

During his tenure, Dr. Haney led the College through a challenging period in Hiram’s history while ensuring the overall health and safety of the campus community during the COVID crisis. He helped evolve initiatives and develop long-term strategies for new academic offerings, enrollment marketing, student transfer agreements, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, campus sustainability, and financial stability. 

Turner said the leadership transition comes at a time of strength for the 173-year-oldcollege. 

“A change of this magnitude is always challenging, but we’re thrilled that we have leadership and staff in place with the kind of experience and expertise to make this a seamless transition.”

Rob Bohrer, Ph.D., vice president for academic and student affairs and dean of the College, has been named acting president of the College, and will play a key role in day-to-day decision-making until a new president is named. He will report directly to Turner.  

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About Hiram College:  

Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online. For more information, please visit www.hiram.edu.

Hiram College has once again been recognized for its excellence in undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, and successful outcomes, earning a place as one of the nation’s 2023-2024 Colleges of Distinction and Ohio Colleges of Distinction.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition from Colleges of Distinction,” said Rob Bohrer, Ph.D., interimpresident of Hiram College. “It affirms our commitment to helping our students learn, grow, and succeed by providing a relationship-rich education based on close interactions and mentorship from top-notch faculty, alongside experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study aboard experiences, and student research.”

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. As a College of Distinction, Hiram College has shown excellence in each of these areas, providing its students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives.

Hiram also achieved program-specific recognition for its Nursing Department, Education Department, and Scarborough School of Business and Communication. These additional accolades were borne out of a need for college curricula that are comprehensive not only in course material, but also in practical- and soft-skills development. Hiram College has met these needs with a blend of classroom learning, program-specific training, and abundant opportunities for real-world application.

Nursing 

Hiram College educates future nurses to be compassionate caregivers who are clinically competent, ethically grounded, and socially and culturally responsible. Hiram’s nursing students experience a wide range of specialties during their educational journey including adult, pediatric, gerontological, community, critical care, and psychiatric mental health. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, the College’s direct entry nursing program enables its students to take calculated action, even in high-pressure situations.

“For a nursing program, being recognized as a College of Distinction highlights the program’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, high-quality, holistic education that prepares students to flourish in their nursing career,” said Sarahbeth Abalos, Ph.D., RN, CNE, nursing program director at the College. “Hiram’s commitment to the liberal arts tradition further develops our nursing graduates to possess critical thinking skills, cultural and ethical competence, and a life-long learning mindset.”

Education 

Hiram College is proud to graduate future educators who are not only knowledgeable, but also efficient mentors whoprovide empathetic support and novel teaching methods. Students pursuing a licensure degree in education from Hiram learn by doing, both in the field and in campus classrooms, with faculty support as they engage in deep and connected experiences with learners. The Teacher Licensure program at Hiram College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the College’s teacher licensure candidates rank among the top in the state with strong passage rates on the educator licensure exam.

“It’s an honor for the education program at Hiram College to once again be named as a College of Distinction,” said Jennifer McCreight, Ph.D., head of teacher education at Hiram. “We are proud of our focus on ensuring students have diverse opportunities to engage in practical classroom experience throughout their time at Hiram, which comes from the close relationships we have with our local K-12 community. Our faculty also advise students closely and believe strongly in expanding our students’ experiences by encouraging them to take courses across campus – they will be better educators because they can learn and think in a variety of ways!”

Business 

The Scarborough School of Business and Communication educates and challenges students to become leaders and innovators who create value for themselves, their profession, and their community. Through interdisciplinary learning and real-world experiences, programs in management, marketing, accounting and financial management, communication, and sport management help students develop the higher order skills today’s employers are seeking.

“This distinction is a strong validation of what we do at Hiram and a testament to our ability to make a difference in the lives of our students,” said Andrew White, Ph.D., director of the Scarborough School of Business and Communication. “Faculty in the Scarborough School of Business and Communication are committed to joining students in their educational experience – it’s not about standing in front of a class and telling students what we know, rather we engage in conversations, explore possibilities, and critically evaluate real-world situations. Our faculty are also determined to help students secure the experiential opportunities that will serve as a strong foundation ahead of their careers.”

To view Hiram College’s profile or to find more information about the innovative learning experiences the College offers, visit https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/hiram-college/.

About Hiram College: 

Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online. For more information, please visit www.hiram.edu.