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 21st 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:
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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.