United Theological Seminary
Overview
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT United Theological Seminary The Opportunity
United Theological Seminary seeks a president who: Lives a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ actively engaged in the gifts and challenges facing the local church Embody the Wesleyan Christian tradition Demonstrates visionary and grounded leadership within Christian organizations Is experienced in successful fundraising with a national reach Appreciates and respects the distinctive offerings/historical practices of seminary education with a collaborative ear toward innovation Embodies the Seminary’s mission and can articulate it with passion and persuasiveness to internal and external audiences Practices intellectual virtue — holding space for conflict and ambiguity within a diverse community while demonstrating integrity, humility, transparency, empathy, accountability and shared problem-solving Offers a pastoral heart, demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership, and a commitment to rigorous educational excellence Leads by assembling, coaching, and empowering a cohesive and effective administrative team Embodies emotional intelligence to encourage and enhance the spiritual and emotional health of the Seminary community Required Presidential Qualifications
Has held leadership and administrative positions that require managing the complexity of multiple constituencies Possesses well-developed speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to persuade and influence in both formal and inspirational settings, and to present theological and biblical insights accurately and engagingly Brings national experience and a demonstrated competence with a desire to lead and participate in fundraising and advancement efforts, including travel to secure commitments from partners, foundations, and individual donors Is committed to working closely with the Board of Trustees in advancing the Seminary’s mission through the implementation of the strategic plan (available upon request) Possesses an earned doctoral degree in a relevant field Meets the qualifications for resident faculty (e.g., relevant advanced degree, demonstrated research/publication record, contribution to academic service) Background and Context
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering master’s and doctoral theological degrees, as well as continuing education. United’s goal is to educate dynamic, Spirit-led leaders who will renew the church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. We are committed to teaching the Bible and the historic Christian faith, instilling a passion for personal and social holiness and renewing the Church for its ministry and mission. The seminary’s location in Dayton, Ohio, provides access to community and church resources for theological education in southwestern Ohio’s rural-urban-industrial context. Students engage in field placements in area churches and in community agencies such as child development centers, Goodwill Industries, community health programs, mental health centers, and various municipal programs aligned with urban development, poverty reduction, and community action. Since its beginning in 1871, United has focused on educating men and women for Christian ministry with programs and outreach that are local and global within the historic traditions of the United Brethren, Evangelical United Brethren, and United Methodist Churches. The curriculum has evolved to include online courses and intensives to serve students nationwide and internationally. United continues the spirit of innovation to equip and prepare faithful, fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. National Context and History
In 1954, United Theological Seminary was formed by merging two predecessor seminaries. In 1968, with the merger of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church, United Theological Seminary became one of 13 theological schools of The United Methodist Church. United is committed to providing access to theological education and to serving students including international learners. Application Process
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the new President is appointed. For the most favorable consideration, applicants should submit a CV/Resume and a letter of interest addressed to the United Theological Seminary search committee by December 1, 2025. The search committee includes: Dr. Tom Lasley, Dr. Jim Holsinger, Dr. Pete Bellini, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis, Dr. Wendy Deichmann, Rev. Dwight Gutridge, Rev. Dr. Brian Law, Rev. Dr. Marty Nicholas, and Ms. Sarah Walters-Maher. Ex-officio members include Mr. Rick James, Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry, and Bishop Bruce Ough. All nominations and applications will be handled with complete confidentiality and should be submitted to Dr. James Holsinger: jwh@email.uky.edu. Inquiries may be directed to: Dr. Tom Lasley, 200 S Keowee St, Dayton, Ohio 45402, tlasley1@udayton.edu, 937-825-2200.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT United Theological Seminary The Opportunity
United Theological Seminary seeks a president who: Lives a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ actively engaged in the gifts and challenges facing the local church Embody the Wesleyan Christian tradition Demonstrates visionary and grounded leadership within Christian organizations Is experienced in successful fundraising with a national reach Appreciates and respects the distinctive offerings/historical practices of seminary education with a collaborative ear toward innovation Embodies the Seminary’s mission and can articulate it with passion and persuasiveness to internal and external audiences Practices intellectual virtue — holding space for conflict and ambiguity within a diverse community while demonstrating integrity, humility, transparency, empathy, accountability and shared problem-solving Offers a pastoral heart, demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership, and a commitment to rigorous educational excellence Leads by assembling, coaching, and empowering a cohesive and effective administrative team Embodies emotional intelligence to encourage and enhance the spiritual and emotional health of the Seminary community Required Presidential Qualifications
Has held leadership and administrative positions that require managing the complexity of multiple constituencies Possesses well-developed speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to persuade and influence in both formal and inspirational settings, and to present theological and biblical insights accurately and engagingly Brings national experience and a demonstrated competence with a desire to lead and participate in fundraising and advancement efforts, including travel to secure commitments from partners, foundations, and individual donors Is committed to working closely with the Board of Trustees in advancing the Seminary’s mission through the implementation of the strategic plan (available upon request) Possesses an earned doctoral degree in a relevant field Meets the qualifications for resident faculty (e.g., relevant advanced degree, demonstrated research/publication record, contribution to academic service) Background and Context
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering master’s and doctoral theological degrees, as well as continuing education. United’s goal is to educate dynamic, Spirit-led leaders who will renew the church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. We are committed to teaching the Bible and the historic Christian faith, instilling a passion for personal and social holiness and renewing the Church for its ministry and mission. The seminary’s location in Dayton, Ohio, provides access to community and church resources for theological education in southwestern Ohio’s rural-urban-industrial context. Students engage in field placements in area churches and in community agencies such as child development centers, Goodwill Industries, community health programs, mental health centers, and various municipal programs aligned with urban development, poverty reduction, and community action. Since its beginning in 1871, United has focused on educating men and women for Christian ministry with programs and outreach that are local and global within the historic traditions of the United Brethren, Evangelical United Brethren, and United Methodist Churches. The curriculum has evolved to include online courses and intensives to serve students nationwide and internationally. United continues the spirit of innovation to equip and prepare faithful, fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. National Context and History
In 1954, United Theological Seminary was formed by merging two predecessor seminaries. In 1968, with the merger of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church, United Theological Seminary became one of 13 theological schools of The United Methodist Church. United is committed to providing access to theological education and to serving students including international learners. Application Process
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the new President is appointed. For the most favorable consideration, applicants should submit a CV/Resume and a letter of interest addressed to the United Theological Seminary search committee by December 1, 2025. The search committee includes: Dr. Tom Lasley, Dr. Jim Holsinger, Dr. Pete Bellini, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis, Dr. Wendy Deichmann, Rev. Dwight Gutridge, Rev. Dr. Brian Law, Rev. Dr. Marty Nicholas, and Ms. Sarah Walters-Maher. Ex-officio members include Mr. Rick James, Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry, and Bishop Bruce Ough. All nominations and applications will be handled with complete confidentiality and should be submitted to Dr. James Holsinger: jwh@email.uky.edu. Inquiries may be directed to: Dr. Tom Lasley, 200 S Keowee St, Dayton, Ohio 45402, tlasley1@udayton.edu, 937-825-2200.
#J-18808-Ljbffr