Tougaloo Chapel at Tougaloo College’s 2019 Ceremony

After navigating a difficult academic year due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, students in the class of 2021 are preparing to graduate. Last year, most schools either postponed spring commencement ceremonies or moved them to virtual platforms. This year, however, many schools are able to hold in-person ceremonies while still offering an option for virtual participation. 

Listed below are the college, universities, and theological schools related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), along with the commencement plans that have been announced. While many schools have made plans for in-person ceremonies, in most cases there are restrictions on the number of guests allowed. Other schools, due to their location in areas that continue to have higher levels of infection, are holding their ceremonies virtually. In the list below, if the name of a school is highlighted in blue, you can click the link to be taken directly to that school’s commencement information webpage.

Disciples Related Colleges and Universities

Barton College – In-person on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Bethany College – In-person on Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8. 

Chapman University – In-person over two weekends, July 30-August 1 and August 6-8. 

Columbia College – In person on Saturday, May 1 at 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Culver-Stockton College – In-person on Saturday, May 15 at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., and on Sunday, May 16 at 12:30 p.m. 

Drury University – In-person on Friday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m.

Eureka College – Ceremony on Saturday, May 15. 

Hiram College –On-campus commencement watch party on Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.  

Jarvis Christian College – In-person on Saturday, May 1 with a virtual option.

Midway University – In-person on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m.

Texas Christian University – In-person on Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Transylvania University – In-person on Saturday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m.

Tugaloo College – Live-streamed on Sunday, May 2 at 9 a.m.

University of Lynchburg – In-person on Thursday, May 20 at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and Friday, May 21 at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

William Woods University – In-person on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. Details on time and whether guests are allowed forthcoming. 

Disciple Related Theological Institutions

Brite Divinity School – Ceremony on Saturday, May 8. Details forthcoming. 

Christian Theological Seminary – Ceremony on Saturday, May 22. Details forthcoming. 

Disciples Divinity Houses at the University of Chicago – Virtual ceremony on Wednesday, June 9 at 4 p.m.

Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University – Limited in-person on Sunday, May 16 at 3 p.m. 

Disciples Seminary Foundation   

Claremont School of Theology – Ceremony on Tuesday, May 18

Iliff School of Theology – Ceremony on Thursday, June 2. 

Pacific School of Religion – Virtual ceremony on Sunday, May 23 at 4 p.m. Link to attend forthcoming on PSR website.

San Francisco Theological Seminary – Ceremony on Saturday, May 22.

Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry – Virtual ceremony on Sunday, June 13

Lexington Theological Seminary – Graduation for Certificate in Hispanic Ministries Program on Friday, June 4 at 11:30. Commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 17 at 11:30. Both ceremonies are virtual.

Phillips Theological Seminary – Ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 11 a.m. Details forthcoming.

Dr. Allison Morrison-Shetlar, President of the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Before coming to Lynchburg, Dr. Morrison-Shetlar served as Provost at Western Carolina University. She also previously served as dean of the Elon College of Arts and Sciences at Elon University, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida, and director of faculty development at Georgia Southern University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a doctorate in biomedical science form Dundee College of Technology (now Abertay University) in Scotland

What drew you to the University of Lynchburg? 

I was drawn immediately by the mission and values of the University. Servant leadership has been the guiding light of my career and Lynchburg has a holistic approach to making sure that everyone – students, faculty, and staff – reach their maximum potential. I also saw a place where I could contribute and grow and develop both professionally and personally.

What has been your biggest joy so far? 

It has been a joy to become a part of such a caring and supportive Hornet family. This has really come to the fore during the pandemic, where the care and attention to student, faculty, and staff success and well-being have been exemplary.

Your biggest surprise? 

Finding out the many resources the University has to support the well-being of our community, on and off campus. On campus, all are dedicated to the student experience in and out of the classroom. Off campus, we benefit from the incredible Lynchburg community, the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Claytor Nature Center and Observatory, to name just a few.

What do the college’s historic ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mean to you as you lead the institution into the future?

The University’s ties to the Disciples Church set the tone for our identity as a caring community committed to diversity and high-impact learning. Disciples believe in dialogue around the complicated issues of our day and engaging all voices in the conversation. I have recently begun worshiping in a DOC congregation and appreciate the social justice commitments of the congregation and an opportunity to live out my personal commitments to ending food insecurity.

Barton College in Wilson North Carolina has been awarded a grant in the amount of $959,816 by the Lilly Endowment ais part of the “Thriving in Ministry Initiative 2020.” From the funds received, a new Center for Vocation and Rural Ministry will be established at the college. To read more, click here.

In preparation for the opening of the Center for Vocation and Rural Ministry, Barton College is advertising for the role of the Center’s Director. To read more about the position and qualifications, click here.

Three Disciple related colleges and universities are in their first year under new presidents. This month we meet Brien Lewis, President of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Before coming to Transylvania, Dr. Lewis served as President of Catawba College in North Carolina. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read a brief interview with President Lewis below:

What drew you to Transylvania University?

I found the combination of a national-caliber liberal arts education in the heart of a thriving city especially compelling. It really offers our students the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a teaching-focused and dedicated faculty and easy access to the experiential opportunities (including internships and mentors) that will also help them develop the skills needed to navigate our complex future.

What has been your biggest joy so far? You biggest surprise?

The biggest joy has been the depth of commitment to the core mission and values of the University. It is evident in our students seeking the fullest residential and connected experiences possible, the thoughtfulness and creativity of faculty adapting to online and hybrid pedagogies, and the care and generosity of alumni and friends of Transy. Each is driven by the same passion: a deeply personal and relevant liberal arts education that will shape the critical thinking, communications skills, and creativity that students will need to thrive in “The Conceptual Age”.

The biggest surprise is how patient everyone has been. Students and parents, faculty and staff – everyone recognizes just how unusual and challenging it is to navigate the pandemic. As a result, they have given the Transy team the time and space to think things through, to experiment, and to not have all the answers overnight. When we have said, “We don’t know yet” people have nodded and said, “That’s fine – just let us know when you do.” I am grateful for the grace members of our community have shown each other.

What do the college’s historic ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mean to you as you lead the institution into the future?

Transylvania University’s ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are vital on several levels. The values and tenets of the Church help provide a moral and ethical foundation for us in approaching complex issues such as racism and social justice, stewardship of natural resources, and civil discourse. In addition, the way the Church embraces people of many faith traditions sets an example for our campus community in accepting and understanding differences. It is my hope that we can deepen and expand our ties with the Church both for families who might

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” -John F. Kennedy

The art of learning to dance between reflections on past, present, and future is mastered when practiced in the presence of community, and this year’s Leadership Fellows Retreat was a practice session of that exact art. While the Leadership Fellows Retreat had originally been scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, the COVID pandemic required the retreat to be experienced virtually this year. During the 2020 virtual retreat, the 34 Fellows of this year’s cohort shared their talents, dreams, struggles, and hopes for the future.

Sarah Wilson, a first-year Leadership Fellow, shared the following about the impact of this year’s retreat:

“As a new member of the HELM Leadership Fellows Program, I was excited to experience the retreat for the first time. Even though the retreat could not be done in person this year, it was a very meaningful weekend that went beyond my expectations. HELM was able to create a space for all of the members to feel connected and open to each other. I was able to meet all of the members virtually and it felt as if I had known them my whole life. Throughout the retreat weekend, we were privileged to hear from Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Rev. Lee Hull Moses, Rev. Darnell Fennell, and Rev. Chris Dorsey. It was wonderful to hear from these four speakers and I learned so much about Disciples history, the current state of the Disciples church, different outreach opportunities through the National Benevolent Association NBA, and about the importance of generosity.”

In addition, Wilson noted that another meaningful part of the retreat involved meetings with Fellows who are part of the same year in the program. During those times, “We shared in many thoughtful and significant conversations and were able to create such a purposeful space for everyone. Each person in the Leadership Fellows Program was able to create a space of welcoming and love for each other. I am so honored to be a part of this program and look forward to spending the next four years as part of it!”

While we look forward with hope to a time when we can again meet together in person, we give thanks for the ability to connect virtually and for the amazing young people who are part of the Leadership Fellows Program.

Three Disciple related colleges and universities are in their first year under new presidents. One of these schools is Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where President Douglas B. Palmer begin his tenure on July 1, 2020. Before coming to Culver-Stockton, Dr. Palmer served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Walsh University in Ohio. He holds a doctorate in European history from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in modern European history from the University of Oregon, and a bachelors’ degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. To read a brief interview with President Palmer, click here. To view “Coffee with Dr. Palmer” and learn more about him, including what led him to work in higher education and his vision for the future of Culver-Stockton College, continue to read below!

 What drew you to Culver-Stockton College?

I felt a strong sense of community from my very first interview with the search committee. That’s saying something since it is a high-pressure situation. But the caring and kindness of this College shone through.

What has been your biggest joy so far? Your biggest surprise?

Every morning I get to go to work surrounded by young people full of hope about their future and looking to make a difference in the world. If you can’t find joy in that and working on their behalf to help that happen, then this isn’t the right job for you.

Surprise? The heat and humidity of a Missouri summer are formidable!

What do the ties to the DOC mean to you?

The Church’s call to bring wholeness to a fragmented world is our call too. This will be embedded in the way we teach, the way we function as a community, and our very ethos. Our goal will be to prepare students to use their intellect and faith – the best values of faith and the human spirit as our mission statement says – to become agents of repairing a broken world

To learn more about President Palmer see the “Coffee with Dr. Palmer” videos below!

To view more follow the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFs43EZt3RqokoNZhFVjc7NajFvdI16JF.

1) Where are you currently serving/working? Please share a bit about the work/ministry in which you are involved.

Since participating in DLI, I have had a number of different opportunities to serve in meaningful work. Immediately after DLI, I was hired to serve as a development director, fundraising for access to affordable mental healthcare in Los Angeles. After four years, I moved from LA to Denver to be the Development Director for AfricAid, an organization that supports girls in secondary school in Tanzania who are seeking to complete their education and develop into confident, community-minded leaders. Today, my son just turned one year old and I am extremely fortunate that my wife supports me as a full-time at home mom! Who knows what the future holds, but for now I am enjoying each moment with my baby Fynn.

2) What led you to want to participate in the DLI program?

In 2012, I attended DLI on the heels of returning from eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) as a Global Ministries Mission Coworker. I was unsure of what my next steps would be, and I saw the opportunity to attend this conference of young Disciples Leaders and thought, “I must be there!”

3) What are some of your memories from your time in the DLI program?

I recall DLI fondly. Mostly I remember connecting with individuals, hearing personal stories, both shared one on one and in group settings, and hearing very personal dreams for ministry. I think that’s the beauty of gathering those who are early in their careers (at the time, I was in my early 30’s as were many gathered, though the range was early 20’s to late 40’s!) People brought their visions for life and ministry. I too had a vision I was developing and dreaming about. At DLI I spent time talking with people about it: building it up, shaking it down, and trying to figure out my path forward. I have always been clear that “traditional church ministry” isn’t for me. And I am still trying to figure out what’s next with my vision. Maybe I always will.

4) In what ways has this participation shaped your understanding of ministry and, in particular, what it means to be a leader?

I think back on that intentional gathering and thank HELM and Reconciliation Ministries for creating the space and place for diverse theologies, perspectives, leadership styles, racial and ethnic identities, points of entry, and ideas to come together. I believe that whatever I do in the future, the ideals that are the foundation to DLI continue to be important to me because that is the way church should be embodied in our world!

Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education.

In the midst of national and global challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and they need our support now, more than ever. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many of our schools are adding additional stress to students, faculty, and staff.

This year’s offering will take place on November 15 and 22. You can also give online at https://disciplesmissionfund.org/special-offerings/thanksgiving/ (please choose “Thanksgiving Special Offering” on the Designation Dropdown List). Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses. In addition, it helps continue the ongoing collaborative work of the church and higher education that is such a foundational part of the heritage of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Please give generously to this offering. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.

Where are you currently serving?  Please share a bit about the work/ministry in which you are involved.

I am currently serving as Associate Pastor at First Christian Church of Orange in Orange, California. I lead in several areas of congregational life, including worship, education, and overseeing ministry with children, youth, families, and young adults. During the time since I participated in DLI, some ways that I have participated in the life of the larger church include coordinating the youth program for General Assembly (Orlando), serving on and chairing the General Nominating Committee, and (currently) serving on the board of Disciples Seminary Foundation. In the Pacific Southwest Region, I have participated in the early years of the Youth Immersion Ministry (YIM) as one of the adult leaders; YIM is an anti-racist pro-reconciling ministry composed of an intentionally multi-racial, multi-cultural group of high school youth.

What skills, experiences and/or knowledge did you gain by participating in DLI?

Before participating in DLI, I felt a commitment to anti-racist pro-reconciling work, to open and affirming ministries, and to having conversations across differences. DLI helped me to put into practice all of those ways of being— in the same setting! The program naturally facilitated building relationships, several of which have maintained connection.

In what ways has this participation shaped your understanding of ministry and, in particular, what it means to be a leader?

Something that I have learned from my time in DLI is that rich diversity— where everyone has not only a seat at the table but also a voice— does not just happen without a lot of intentionality and work. And the fruit of the work, although messy, is so well worth it. DLI invites young leaders to wade in these waters and emerge with more experience and confidence in doing essential work that the Church is called to. I am so happy that DLI helped shape my story and my call!

The Disciples Divinity House (DDH) at Vanderbilt seeks a full-time Dean. The Dean will provide visionary leadership, guiding our community in discerning our next bold steps. They will fundraise for our mission to make excellent ministers for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and mentor students attending Vanderbilt Divinity School (VDS) through coaching, programming, and other forms of support. As theological education evolves, DDH has done the same. This position no longer includes a teaching role at VDS, through collaboration and partnership with VDS will be encouraged and celebrated. Less an academic position and more of a chaplain/pastor/executive director role, we invite candidates with experience in fundraising, organizational leadership, spiritual formation, and pastoral care and counseling to consider applying.

Please follow the link below to see the full description and benefits!

DDH Vanderbilt Search Letter