Written by: United Theological Seminary August 3, 2018

2016 Distinguished Alums

Each year, United invites nominations for the Distinguished Alum Award. Distinguished Alums are graduates of the seminary who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to making the world a better place through their work and ministry. A committee of the Alum Council reviews the nominees and selects the Distinguished Alum Award recipient, who is recognized each spring at the annual Alum Dinner during United Days.

United is pleased to announce that Kenneth Daniel ’81 and Robert Smith ’80 have been selected as recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Alum Award. United honored them as part of the annual Alum Dinner on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

Kenneth Daniel ’81

UCC minister Kenneth Daniel has served in local congregations, seminary settings, and retirement community administration. During his career, Ken has acted in key leadership roles for several historic UCC health and educational institutions.

Since 2011, Ken has served as executive director of United Church Homes, a national non-profit provider of housing and health services, ranging from skilled nursing and rehab, to retirement communities, to affordable housing for seniors. During his short tenure, Ken has led a complete reorganization and expansion of the internal business functions, resulting in high quality levels of clinical health care, staff satisfaction, marketing and sales, financial performance, and corporate communications.

Ken was nominated by Karen Smith Sellers ’76 ’13, with a letter of support written by UCC Minnesota Conference Minister Shari Prestemon, who sits on United’s board of trustees. Shari writes:

“Whether Ken is providing leadership to a health and human service organization, serving in a seminary setting, or acting as pastor to a local congregation, Ken’s integrity of faith and service-oriented approach is always abundantly clear. While he knows and understands what it takes to successfully manage an organization from an administrative standpoint, he never loses sight of what is, for him, always at the center: purposeful ministry and abiding

Robert Smith ’80

Brother Robert Smith is a member of the order of Christian Brothers in the Roman Catholic Church. After earning a master’s degree in religious studies from United, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in moral theology (ethics) from Marquette University. Brother Robert has taught at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona and taught and administered schools run by the Christian Brothers in Kenya and Palestine. For seven years he served as vice president for academic affairs at Bethlehem University in Palestine. During that time, he met with United students from Professor Eleazar Fernandez’ Global Studies course, who had traveled to the region as part of the immersion class.

Brother Robert currently serves as vice president of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he continues to minister by sharing his gifts of teaching and leadership skills.

Brother Robert was nominated by Paul Capetz, United’s professor of historical theology. A support letter was written by Eleazar Fernandez, professor of constructive theology. Eleazar writes:

“Brother Robert embodies the ideals and hopes of United for its graduates. He embodies commitment, knowledge and skills, compassion and cultural competence, courage, and perseverance. Our visit with Brother Robert at Bethlehem University was a delight and an inspiration for both my students and me. It was one of the high moments of the immersion trip. I continue to derive inspiration from his commitment and ministry.”

Nomination Process & Submissions Forms

Nominations are open through November each year. The Distinguished Alum has graduated at least 10 years ago from United, Yankton or Mission House Seminary and has demonstrated exceptional achievements and special qualities in her/his ministry in the church or society. Nominations are due December 1 each year.

Distinguished Alum Printable Nomination Form (PDF)

Distinguished Alum Online Nomination Form

Past Recipients

2015 Anita C. Hill ’87 ’00

2013 Karen Smith Sellers ’76, Norma Rae Hunt ’84

2012 Jon Gunnemann ’66

2011 Kimberly Vrudny ’95

2010 Susan K. Ebbers ’78, Rick Yramategui ’87

2009 Howard J. Vogel ’78

2008 Peg A. Chemberlin ’82

2008 Herbert Zimmerman ’46

2007 Paul Olm-Stoelting ’46 ’74

2006 Christie Cozad Neuger ’80

2005 Gene E. Miller ’83

2004 Robert H. Tucker ’81

2003 Gary Reierson ’78 ’86

2002 Kathi Austin Mahle ’78, Ernest Strandberg ’67

2001 Sheila C. Gustafson ’77, Helen Wells O’Brien ’90

2000 Obid Hofland ’68 ’88

1999 John Heinl ’61

1998 Thomas Townsend ’60

1997 Eugene Grau ’44

1996 Marva Jean Hutchens ’80, Gary Miller ’68

1995 Carla Bailey ’81 ’92, Hobart (Fid) Sailor ’69

1994 Martha Ann Baumer ’73, Nelda Lockwood ’51, Alma Stepanek ’51

1993 Vernon Jaberg ’47, Fred Schneider ’43

1992 Theodore Bader ’51, Ralph Ley ’39

1991 John Krueger ’63

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September 30, 2026

Announcements News Releases

United Celebrates Largest New Class and Highest Enrollment in Its 65-Year History

Enrollment Has More than Tripled in Ten Years For the second consecutive year, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is thrilled to welcome its largest-ever incoming class of degree-seeking students. With 85 new degree-seeking students, the seminary is celebrating a total fall term enrollment of 288 degree-seeking students and 7 certificate students, representing the largest total enrollment in United’s history. The seminary’s 65th academic year features: 25% year-over-year enrollment growth and a staggering 239% increase over fall 2016; 163 Master of Divinity (MDiv) students, an increase of 42% year-over-year; 63 Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), and Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) students; 62 Doctor of Ministry (DMin) students. Public theology, social transformation, interreligious engagement, and theology and the arts comprise the four foundational pillars of United’s curricula. They are unique among seminaries and divinity schools rooted in Christian traditions, cultivating an educational environment that practices ecumenism, religious pluralism, and social justice. The MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy is United’s largest degree program, with 73 students enrolled for the fall term. The concentration’s interfaith emphasis sets the school apart among its peers, drawing students from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Reflecting the program’s flagship status, the seminary marked a new milestone on July 1 when it welcomed Dr. Ginger Morgan as associate professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. United’s considerable ten-year growth can be credited to its leading-edge academic offerings, widely accessible distance education, and accomplished faculty. The seminary is a bold witness for the common good, preparing innovative leaders for myriad vocational and professional outcomes. From rural congregations to the city hospital’s ICU, United students and alums equip their communities for justice and peace. Mason Mennenga (’22), director of Admissions, leads a passionate and creative staff, all of whom are current students or alums. He reflects, “United’s growth in enrollment over the last number of years and our record for this year is truly a remarkable achievement in theological education. We’re showing what’s possible for progressive theological institutions!” Dr. Hillary Vamstad, director of Student Services, adds, “We’ve created an environment where students feel more than just a number, and I think students see that through the admissions and onboarding process. Feeling seen, heard, and supported while pursuing a seminary education is an important component to United’s growth.” Growth in student enrollment underscores the need to increase the number of core faculty members to continue to provide the quality of education for which United is well-known. Dr. Kyle Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, shares, “We are undertaking two faculty searches this year, which include an additional faculty role focused on Ministry Practices. This is a specialty we have been needing for some time on our core faculty to ground students in the practical elements of ministry leadership, such as preaching and liturgy, religious education, institutional leadership and administration.” Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, who is beginning her final year as United’s beloved president, asserts, “I believe United’s remarkable growth is due to our progressive and relevant curriculum, our theological hospitality, and our accessible educational delivery.” She continues, “We delight in creating space (perichoresis) for everyone who desires formative theological education, a distinctive pursuit among seminaries.” United looks ahead to a historic 65th year of progressive theological education, and we give thanks for the students whose vocations, traditions, and unique perspectives enrich the life of our seminary. About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • 651.255.6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

United Launches National Search for Its Next President

The Position Profile and Application Are Now Available Today, the Presidential Search Committee, on behalf of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, is opening the national search for the seminary’s next leader. This comes after the July announcement of Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall’s 2027 retirement following six transformative years of institutional growth and expansion. United’s next president will helm a dynamic school with a student body that has more than doubled in size in just ten years; a world-class faculty of artists, scholars, and theologians; and a diverse and interreligious student body preaching in pulpits, ministering in ICUs, leading nonprofits, and organizing for the common good. In a message shared with the United community, trustee and committee chair Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel (’81) describes the committee’s work in concert with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM) to help “the seminary step into the next chapter of United’s mission and ministry.” Describing the ideal candidate, Dr. Daniel writes, “We are seeking an engaged leader who will join our mission to inspire creative scholarship, advance innovative pedagogy, develop leaders of distinction, and move the school forward to increased sustainability and global impact.” As of today, the public profile of the President’s role, as well as the application, is available to prospective applicants. Additionally, the public is invited to nominate individuals for consideration by the Committee. The application is linked on an official landing page that features Dr. Daniel’s note and a list of the committee members and their affiliations. The committee includes trustees as well as current and former faculty, student, staff, and alum representatives. Each faithfully brings their experiences to bear on their assignment. Dr. Daniel urges qualified leaders from myriad backgrounds to consider applying, writing, “Leaders from interfaith and ecumenical traditions, academic disciplines, relevant professional and denominational roles, and innovators in educational practices are invited to consider this unique opportunity.” Visit the link below to learn more, nominate a candidate, or submit your application. Apply or Nominate a Candidate About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Search Committee Contact Grace Pennings Guenthner (’26) Administrative Assistant, Presidential Search Committee pssearch@unitedseminary.edu

United Welcomes Site Visit by The Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting on October 12–15, 2026. The purpose of this visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation. Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit. Comments may also or instead be sent in writing to the Dean of the Seminary Kyle Roberts at kroberts@unitedseminary.edu. All comments will be shared with the onsite evaluation committee. For more about United's accreditation, click here. >