Six Years of Transformative Leadership
Following six historic and transformative years as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire on June 30, 2027, following completion of the seminary’s 65th academic year.
President Marshall secured United’s financial standing, advanced institutional objectives toward long-term sustainability, and catalyzed historic growth in institutional fundraising and student enrollment.
Read the seminary’s full announcement and learn more about President Marshall’s legacy at the link below.
An Accomplished Tenure
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has benefited from President Marshall’s leadership. From the endowment of faculty chairs to new programs and historic enrollment, her faithful stewardship of the seminary has given us plenty of reasons to celebrate. These are but a few of the milestones United achieved throughout her tenure.
September 2021
Announced only months into President Marshall’s term, this tenure-track, endowed faculty position was made possible by a generous, committed, multi-year gift of $1.75 million from Rev. Andrea Johnson (’17) and David Fry. This new chair, President Marshall remarked, would “strengthen United’s profile in a world that beckons respect for the lived religion of others and envisions intercultural competence.”
July 2022
United established a new role held by Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II, associate professor of Pastoral Theology and Social Transformation, designed to align “institutional action with what has been a longstanding ethos and aspiration.”
October 2023
For the fall 2023 term, United announced the enrollment of 239 students, representing a historic 281 percent increase from 2017. This was the seminary’s largest enrollment in 27 years, which President Marshall attributed to “our splendid faculty, enlivening curriculum, and our accessibility—both online and in person.” She continued, “Our admissions team is unparalleled in offering great support for those discerning whether seminary is for them.”
January 2024
In its 2023 Holiday Colloquy Online issue, ATS (The Association of Theological Schools) noted that just 18, or 6.5 percent, of 279 ATS-accredited seminaries demonstrated steady year-over-year growth during the past five years. President Marshall attributed the growth to “a desirable curriculum,” “gifted, student-focused faculty members,” a comprehensive distance learning program, and the seminary’s interreligious welcome and engagement. “United,” President Marshall emphasized, “is as interested in the questions as the answers.”
February 2024
Funded by generous donors, Frank and Robyn Sims, the Sims Scholars Initiative is designed to address racial inequities in society and to educate and prepare leaders who desire to constructively engage issues confronting Black spiritual communities. Affirming the initiative as an expression of United’s emphasis on justice, President Marshall celebrated the opportunity to erase educational disparities—a focus of her tenure.
February 2024
Funded by a generous donation from Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004), and her husband, Keith Bednarowski, United announced a new tenure-track, endowed faculty position: the Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies. Dr. Demian Wheeler, Director of Advanced Studies, was appointed Sophia Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies in 2024. President Marshall affirmed the Chair’s capacity to “extend the legacy of Dr. Bednarowski’s scholarship.”
February 2025
In early 2025, The Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice transitioned to the Leadership Center for Social Justice at United. The Fund offers each year to candidates who have diligently worked to move society toward a more just and peaceful future. President Marshall celebrated the Fund’s legacy and its alignment with United’s “emphasis on empowering students for social justice.”
March 2025
Made possible by gifts from a cadre of United friends, alums, and former faculty, the Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts was established in honor of President Marshall’s predecessor, President Emeritus Wilson Yates. Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, formerly the McVay Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation—and Director of the Social Transformation Program—was appointed as the chair’s first-ever occupant in 2026. President Marshall affirmed the Chair’s support for one of United’s longstanding pillars, recognizing that it “honors [Wilson’s] legacy, and this good school continues his groundbreaking work in theology and the arts, extending it in ever-new directions.”
October 2025
United celebrated a record-breaking 73 new students for the fall 2025 term, making it the largest incoming class of degree-seeking students in the seminary’s history. President Marshall credited the seminary’s world-class faculty, leading-edge innovations in distance learning, and commitment to interreligious engagement as core to the seminary’s growth. In her words, “These students find an accessible and affordable education here, and they are eager to engage the progressive ethos of the seminary.”
July 2026
United recently celebrated faculty promotions and a new addition. Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman was promoted to Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, supported by the McVay Endowment, and Director for Formation. This occurred simultaneously with the appointment of Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis to the Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts. United also welcomed Dr. Ginger Morgan to its faculty as the new Associate Professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy following a national search. President Marshall celebrated her colleagues’ promotions and Dr. Morgan’s arrival.
Tributes to President Marshall
Friends and colleagues of President Marshall have shared reflections on her significant contributions to United, theological education, and their personal lives. If you would like to submit a few words to honor President Marshall, please click here. >
In her writings, President Marshall, Molly to me, once observed, “. . . following the Spirit will require of all of us faith—all the guidance we usually get is enough to take the next uncertain step.” United, in late 2020, was indeed in a state of uncertainty, and President Marshall’s emergence as its next president must be seen as a revelation of the Spirit. She has led United to a platform of stability from which it will move forward with confidence, heeding the Spirit toward an uncertain, as human endeavors are, but bright and sustainable future.
David S. Anderson
Former Chair of the Board of Trustees (2020–2026), United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Dr. Molly Marshall was clearly the right person at the right time to lead United during these critical years of her tenure as president. Her leadership has been nothing less than transformational, to say the least. Molly brought deep commitment to the mission of theological education and a vision for the future that enabled United to become a national seminary. She has brought a calm style that has undergirded the faculty and staff and enabled them to flourish. The school has successfully navigated the pandemic and emerged with diverse capabilities and a stronger witness to the intersection of faith, justice, and social action that its founders envisioned. United is well positioned to continue to expand its impact on the church and the wider society in large part due to Dr. Marshall’s leadership. The Search Committee will be challenged to find a successor who can continue the work that Dr. Marshall has begun.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel (’81)
Trustee and Chair of the Search Committee, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities • Retired CEO of United Church Homes
It’s hard to put Molly Marshall’s significance into words. Not only has she been a pioneering voice in feminist theology—and theology in general—but she is also a leader who has paved the way for a wave of theologians who are shaping the future of theological study. I am one of them. Molly Marshall saw a theologian in me before I could see it in myself. She encouraged my theological voice before I knew I didn’t have one. She gave me permission before I knew to ask for it. And I am deeply grateful to have had her as a mentor and a friend. Cheers to “Mama Marshall,” as we used to call her. She deserves the restfulness of retirement.
Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Social Transformation and Director of Racial Intelligence Systems, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
President Marshall’s enthusiasm, attention, and engagement with our donors have been important components of her leadership. She has honored our alums and delighted in our students. Molly has valued United’s history even as she has led us into new ways of being. She has built a culture that reflects her dedication, vision, and generosity. She has been a bright light in the broader community, embodying her passion for and dedication to United. Molly arrived with both expertise and heart, and she has shared them generously. She leaves a lasting imprint, and we are better for that. It has been a great gift to be her colleague.
Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson
Vice President for Advancement, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Rev. Dr. Molly Marshall’s deep faith, generosity, and unwavering commitment to theological education have shaped not only her institution but also the broader field. Through mission-centered leadership, she has invested in students, colleagues, and generations of emerging leaders with wisdom and grace. There are few women known by their first name alone; Molly has earned that distinction. Her leadership at United has renewed and strengthened its community, and I pray she is richly blessed in all that lies ahead for her. With appreciation for her dedication, service, and example, Amy Kardash, President of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools.
Amy Kardash
President, In Trust Center for Theological Schools
During these past decades of remarkable challenge for the church and its theological schools, Molly Marshall has been an agent of institutional transformation and sustainability. Her intelligence, disdain for pretense, and good humor have made her a trusted colleague and good friend among her peers in the Association of Theological Schools. Her unflagging advocacy for women and underrepresented people in theological education is a hallmark of her leadership. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and all of the UCC understandably celebrate her Presidency as a providential gift not only for the school but for the whole church.
Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause
President and Professor of New Testament, Eden Theological Seminary
When an energetic retired seminary president agreed to come to Minnesota and lead United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, the community—even those with attenuated connections—breathed an audible sigh of relief and felt a rekindling of enthusiasm for the future. These responses were not misplaced. A courageous Christian with a long history of seminary leadership, Molly Marshall understood United and what United needed. With grit and graciousness, she went about building a strong scaffolding for the future: renewing friendships, garnering prestigious grants, establishing new named faculty chairs, overseeing an unprecedented rise in enrollment, shepherding the community with words of inspiration and consolation. Molly has lifted United spiritually and operationally and thereby enabled us to live more resiliently into our perpetual calling: to educate leaders who will move the world toward justice and peace.
Dr. Kita McVay (’96, ’09)
Former President, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
It seems providential that Rev. Dr. Molly Marshall was selected to be President of the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Known for intellectual, creative, tenacious, compassionate, and inclusive leadership, Rev. Dr. Marshall was a perfect match for the good people at United where intellect, creativity, tenacity, compassion, and inclusiveness are celebrated.
With a historic entering class set for this fall—filled with deep-thinking students longing for experiences that include religiously diverse settings, welcoming people, and rigorous academic dialogue—the association between Rev. Dr. Marshall and United Theological Seminary is clearly successful and joyful.
It has been an honor to count Molly Marshall as a dear friend. We have been privileged to watch her capably lead and guide generations of scholars, enabling them to make a positive impact wherever they are in the world. We are grateful for her and for what she and United Theological Seminary have meant to each other and to all of us who benefit from this good and sacred partnership.
Dr. Jackie Baugh Moore (’26)
President, Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation
President Marshall’s impact on United is really extraordinary, and she will leave a profound legacy at the institution. Clearly, she has been successful in the ways often highlighted for an outstanding President—record enrollment, expanded academic programs, and financial stability, building a strong foundation for the next steps on United’s journey. Add to these leadership successes Molly’s theological acumen and prophetic voice in challenging times, and it is easy to see the scope of her leadership. Just as importantly, though, Molly has helped create a deep sense of community among the faculty, staff, students, trustees, and the broader community who support the work of United. Her leadership and accomplishments ensure United will keep living into the fullness of its mission and vision as the context for theological education continues to evolve.
Rev. Dr. Dianne Oliver
Chair of the Board of the Trustees, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
President Marshall has been just the leader this seminary needed to reclaim its vision, its vibrancy, and its voice in theological education. She has led a process of internal healing and of increasing external influence. She has been a champion of rigorous but applied theological education for spiritual leadership, supporting and encouraging the faculty in their teaching and the staff in their work. United will always be indebted to her years of service and to her passion and care in moving the seminary to its next stage. United is, once again, a leading voice in progressive seminary education in large part because of President Marshall.
Dr. Kyle Roberts
Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Madam President, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I offer my best wishes to you in retirement. You have been a source of inspiration, vision, and leadership for this seminary. Your wise guidance and commitment to theology will leave an everlasting mark on this institution. May your retirement bring good health, more time with family, and the satisfaction of a job well done. We will miss you!
Dr. Frank Sims (’25)
Former Trustee, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities • Former Board Chair and Interim President, Fisk University
Wherever Molly Marshall leads, theological schools and churches thrive. She is an agent of institutional transformation. In her over thirty years of service in theological institutions, she has exhibited the highest standards of scholarship, has provided exemplary leadership, and has transformed schools that were struggling into vibrant mission-focused organizations. She is a leader among leaders. She has mentored many men and women who now lead theological schools. Above all these accomplishments and well-deserved accolades, Molly Marshall is a faithful servant of God, committing her considerable gifts and skill to work for the furtherance of God’s mission in the world. As executive director of ATS, I am grateful for Molly’s faithful leadership in and among ATS member schools and wish her God’s blessing in this next stage of her vocation.
Rev. Dr. Frank M. Yamada
Executive Director, The Association of Theological Schools
Molly will be missed, oh so greatly! But her legacy, her imprint, her shaping of the school will live on. Her contributions reached into all areas of the school’s life. She helped shape a fresh vision of United’s ecumenical and multi-religious focus while cultivating the United Church of Christ roots that lie deep within the school. She led the school to a place of greater financial stability and institutional identity. And, I must personally add, she gave Theology and the Arts a fresh and dynamic importance. She made the difference that we needed as she helped define and initiate United’s future. Thank you, Molly.
Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates
President Emeritus (1996–2005), United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Questions and Answers
After six years of exemplary service to United and decades of leadership in progressive theological education, President Marshall looks forward to spending time with her family, returning to her home (and books!) in Kansas, visiting Minnesota, perfecting her theological chili recipes, continuing her mentoring work, writing, occasional teaching, and watching more tennis.
Give in Her Honor
Throughout her tenure, President Marshall has emphasized the centrality of endowed student scholarships in the seminary’s long-term strategic plans. She has championed the establishment of multiple new chairs for United’s world-class faculty and endowed scholarship funds for students worldwide.
United’s students and alums bear public witness to the common good, equipping their communities and society toward justice and peace. This is made possible by faithful donor support and President Marshall’s visionary leadership.
To honor President Marshall’s unwavering support for the seminary’s mission and to celebrate her legacy, United is thrilled to establish the Molly T. Marshall Endowed Scholarship Fund to support new generations of congregational ministers, leaders, scholars, and artist-theologians.
In the decades to come, this fund and the students it supports will serve as a testament to President Marshall’s expansive vision for progressive theological education at United.