Announcements Archives - Page 2 of 4 - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

April 10, 2025

United Will Award Frank Sims with Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) Degree at Its 2025 Commencement

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, April 10, 2025. In honor of Frank Sims’ decades of community leadership and support for innovative education, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is thrilled to announce that it will award Sims with a Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) at its 2025 Commencement Exercises on April 27. Since the 1990s, Sims—now a retired corporate vice-president from Cargill, Inc., and former Board Chair and Interim President of Fisk University—has generously blessed United with his time, expertise, and stalwart support for its values and mission. In the 1990s, after Sims moved to the Twin Cities for work, he connected with United through a former Cargill colleague, Dr. Kita McVay (’96, ’09), who was serving on the board. She asked if he would like to serve on United’s board of trustees. After meeting with United President Ben Griffin (1987–1995) and learning more about the school’s progressive history and its more diverse and inclusive theological education, he gladly accepted. Since he first joined United’s board, Sims has served two full terms as a trustee, worked on capital campaigns, and supported scholarships for United students. Recently, Sims and his wife, Robyn, worked with President Molly T. Marshall to establish the Sims Scholars Initiative, a project designed to educate and prepare leaders who desire to constructively engage issues confronting Black spiritual communities. The initiative operates by selecting and mentoring a cohort of students to attend a unique, tuition-free Master of Arts in Leadership degree program at United. The first cohort entered seminary in 2024; applications for the 2025 cohort are due May 1. During his involvement with the seminary, Sims has often remarked on the importance of promoting education and giving back to the community. He has also expressed the belief that theological study can help people to understand the biblical values of charity, humility, and service. “Over the years,“ notes President Marshall, “Frank Sims has demonstrated his care for theological education and the church through providing generous scholarship assistance to United. An experienced leader, he has contributed greatly to higher education and, particularly, to this good school. We rejoice in the opportunity to honor him at Commencement.” Rev. Dr. Gary Green, United’s Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Social Transformation and Director of Anti-Racist Initiatives, declares, “My spirit has wanted to call Frank Sims ‘Doctor’ since we met, having heard of the myriad ways he has supported the mission of United. But now, after having worked with him in the creation of the Sims Scholars Initiative, I know firsthand of his worthiness for this honor, and I am elated that we are celebrating his living legacy in this way!” “I am so grateful for the generosity of Frank Sims in establishing this scholarship. When our faculty speak of the students this initiative has attracted to United, they glow about the energy, the enthusiasm, and the dedication of students participating in the Sims Initiative. The many ways they contribute to the larger United community, and vice versa, have been a blessing to our seminary,” adds Dr. Kyle Roberts, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean, and Schilling Professor of Public Theology and Church and Economic Life. United will celebrate the graduating class of 2025 and award a Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Sims during its 63rd Commencement on Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 PM CT, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, MN. Details, including onsite and online registration, can be viewed here. ______________ About United Founded by the nascent United Church of Christ as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions admissions@unitedseminary.edu

October 9, 2024

Announcements Faculty

Remembering Rev. Dr. Dayton D. Hultgren, Former President of United

(SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2024) — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has received news of the death of Rev. Dr. Dayton D. Hultgren, a former President and faculty member of the school. From 1971 to 1982, Dr. Hultgren led a period of growth and evolution in seminary education, overseeing milestones throughout his tenure that would have an impact for decades to come. Inaugurated in 1971 at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, President Hultgren was United’s second president, succeeding founding President Emeritus Ruben H. Huenemann. There were exciting programmatic initiatives during President Hultgren’s tenure. United had its first woman graduate, and in the ensuing decade, the school became a leader in the education of women in the fields of theology, ministry, and religious studies. Under President Hultgren’s leadership, Professor Emeritus James B. Nelson and President Emeritus Wilson Yates—with the University of Minnesota Medical School’s program in sexuality—helped develop a joint course in human sexuality. Dr. Nelson’s writings on human sexuality and medical ethics earned national recognition. Dr. Gayle Graham Yates laid the groundwork for teaching women in ministry and taught the first course in feminism and the Church as well as the first course in religious studies in the early 1970s. Rev. Dr. Patricia Wilson Kastner was appointed the first full-time woman professor in 1975, teaching historical and constructive theology. In 1976, Professor Emerita Mary Farrell Bednarowski was appointed to the faculty, becoming the first director of the Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MARS) program that same year. The Antoinette Brown Womenspace and Resource Center, proposed by United’s women’s caucus, was developed in 1977. One of President Hultgren’s most significant early hires was Academic Vice President Thomas C. Campbell in 1974. Following Campbell’s death in 1979, Professor Emeritus Clyde J. Steckel was appointed Academic Vice President and Dean. In his “Recollections of the 1970s,” included in the 40th Anniversary Edition of VOICES, Dr. Steckel describes various steps taken by President Hultgren to revise aspects of United’s organizational structure, including an “opening [of] faculty meetings to the seminary community and appointing [of] students to the senate, board of trustees, and faculty committees.” He also played a significant role in forming the CUE Regional Seminary Support Program, a mechanism through which Chicago Theological Seminary, Eden Theological Seminary, and United received financial support from local congregations. After 11 years in office, President Hultgren stepped down in 1982 and was succeeded by the appointment of Rev. Dr. Mary (Molly) B. McMillan (’78) as interim president. In addition to his tenure at United, President Hultgren served as President of San Francisco Theological Seminary as well as in various roles at Macalester College, the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, and the University of St. Thomas. He would later establish a consulting firm, HBH Associates, and was recognized for his philanthropic work throughout the rest of his life. Professor Emerita Barbara Anne Keely met President Hultgren in 1991 while serving alongside him on a Presbytery committee—which included Rev. Dr. Molly McMillan—focused on raising funds to benefit local congregations. "Dayton brought his sense of ministry and fundraising gifts to the Presbytery, churches, and other nonprofits.” She continues, “He loved the Church, and shared that love through United, the Presbytery, and church consulting." President Emeritus Wilson Yates, a faculty member during President Hultgren’s time in office, notes that Dayton Hultgren brought a new generation of thought about theological education and served as a catalyst for democratizing the institution’s governance structures. “This positioned the school to become a leader in the development of new forms of theological education.” Reflecting on President Hultgren’s kindness at the onset of her term, United’s current President, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall says, “Not too long after I arrived at United, former president Dayton Hultgren courteously took the time to come for a visit. I was struck by his kind nature and fond reflections on his time serving United. He knew well the complexity of seminary leadership and went out of his way to encourage me as I began my time of service.” She continues, “The Apocalypse writes of such servants: ‘they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them’ (14:13). Blessed be his memory among the forebears of this good seminary.” For President Hultgren’s immense contributions to the life of United, his legacy of generosity, and his forward-looking leadership, we give thanks. Blessed be the memory of President Dayton D. Hultgren. A public memorial service for President Hultgren has not yet been announced by his family. Until then, click here to read President Hultgren’s full obituary and honor his rich legacy. About United Founded by the nascent 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 cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138

August 12, 2024

Announcements Lecture

Renowned Theologian and Ethicist, Rev. Dr. Gary Dorrien, to Lecture at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul on September 25

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2024. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul are delighted to announce that they are jointly sponsoring a lecture by the highly esteemed American theologian and ethicist Rev. Dr. Gary Dorrien. The free event will take place at 6:30 PM on September 25, in the main church at St. John’s and be live streamed on St. John’s YouTube channel. Dorrien, the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University, will base his lecture around two of his recent publications: Anglican Identities: Logos Idealism, Imperial Whiteness, Commonweal Ecumenism and the autobiographical Over from Union Road: My Christian-Left-Intellectual Life. Both books have a 2024 publication date. In Anglican Identities, Dorrien offers a comprehensive historical examination of Anglicanism, encompassing the faith’s longstanding proclivity toward ecumenicalism and idealist approaches. He also argues that the religion’s aspirational ecumenical vision is directly antithetical to English Anglicanism's entanglement with colonialism and white supremacy. Over from Union Road, on sale September 30, is a rich memoir that describes Dorrien’s unlikely journey from being an academically inattentive high school athlete to becoming a renowned social ethicist, theologian, and intellectual historian. The book also covers Dorrien’s participation in the civil rights movement and other social and cultural upheavals during his lengthy career. Dr. Demian Wheeler, United’s associate professor of Philosophical Theology and Religious Studies and a former student of Dorrien’s, endorses the publication. He writes, in part, “This riveting and beautiful book is the remarkable story of how Gary Dorrien became Gary Dorrien, how a shy athlete from rural Michigan became the foremost religious historian and theological ethicist of our time. With his signature blend of genealogical detail, comprehensive analysis, and gripping storytelling, Dorrien chronicles the events and experiences, ideas and struggles, and loves and losses that indelibly shaped his spirituality, his activism, and his progressive Christian worldview.” In addition to the lecture about his two recent publications, Dorrien will also lead a discussion on themes from Anglican Identities. The Episcopal Church, whose roots were formed within the English Anglican tradition, is a current autonomous member of the Anglican Communion. Earlier this year, Dorrien was awarded the Gandhi, King, Mandela Peace Prize at Morehouse College in Atlanta. The citation honored Dorrien’s “distinguished teaching and magisterial, rigorous, monumental, and definitive scholarship that counter and disrupt white racist theology and ethical inquiry by centering the truths of Black life, Black Christian witness, and political imagination.” It is indeed a signal honor to be hosting this theological, ethical, and intellectual luminary in the Twin Cities. Attend in person at 60 N. Kent St., St. Paul, MN 55102. Click here to view the lecture. About United Founded by the nascent United Church of Christ as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138

July 11, 2024

Announcements Faculty

United Welcomes Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Jennifer Maidrand

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, July 11, 2024 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is excited to announce that it has welcomed another Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow—Dr. Jennifer (“Jen”) Maidrand—for its 2024–25 and 2025–26 academic years. Dr. Maidrand, who started her two-year fellowship July 1, is our Visiting Assistant Professor of Bible, Culture, and Interpretation. An accomplished scholar, educator, and activist, Maidrand holds a PhD in Bible and Cultures from Drew University. For her dissertation, “Excavating Promised Land: The Geopolitics of Scripturalization in Palestine-Israel,” she earned the Rabbi Dr. Sheldon J. Weltman Prize for Excellence in Biblical Studies. Her MA in Theological Studies, also from Drew University, focused on religion and ecology. Professionally, Maidrand has served with Global Ministries (UCC) in Palestine and has robust experience working with an array of churches across the US concerning education and advocacy related to the Middle East. She is a member of the United Church of Christ and is committed to fostering interfaith and intercultural community education and dialogue around sacred texts, the earth, and social justice. At United, Maidrand will teach four courses per year—two in the fall term and two in the spring. Based in Ohio, all of her courses will be taught through distance learning, but Maidrand will commute to United for key community events and maintain a faculty advisory load during her fellowship. “We are delighted to have Dr. Maidrand joining us as a Louisville Institute Fellow,” attests Dean Kyle Roberts. “A biblical scholar focusing on the intersection of Bible, culture, and interpretation, she fills an important role in our curriculum. She will teach introductory courses on religious texts and biblical interpretation, as well as upper-level electives that address crucial issues of geopolitical concern and elucidate ways in which politics and interpretation intertwine. Ministers and spiritual leaders need the kind of biblical and cultural literacy she will offer in these complex and contested times.” President Molly T. Marshall agrees. “Dr. Maidrand brings excellence in biblical studies,” she asserts, “and she connects her scholarship to pressing concerns in our time, e.g., land issues in Israel/Palestine. United has a storied history with Louisville Institute Fellows, and our faculty is adept at mentoring emerging professors in theological education. We are grateful to welcome her to this thriving community.” For her part, Maidrand expresses her gratitude for the opportunity. As she writes, “I am thrilled to be joining the United faculty as a Louisville Fellow. United's commitment to prepare leaders to steward movements of peace and justice, in their faith communities and beyond, is one I share wholeheartedly. I look forward to accompanying students in this part of their journey in hopes that my own interests in contextual biblical interpretation, decolonial methodologies, and ecumenical peacebuilding in Palestine-Israel will be of service to their formation.” Welcome, Dr. Jen Maidrand, to our faculty and to our United community! About United Founded by the nascent United Church of Christ as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 About the Louisville Institute Funded by the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment, Louisville Institute awards grants and fellowships to those who lead and study North American religious institutions, practices, and movements, advancing scholarship to strengthen church, academy, and wider society.

July 2, 2024

Announcements Faculty

Remembering Rev. Dr. Don White, Professor Emeritus

Appointed to replace Theophilus Hilgeman, Don became the assistant professor of historical theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 1965. He was from Youngstown, Ohio, and he received his BA from Berea College in Kentucky, his BD from Chicago Theological Seminary, and his MA and PhD from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Originally ordained as a Presbyterian, Don would later transfer his standing to the United Church of Christ (UCC). During his 37-year tenure at United, Don taught both historical theology and constructive theology. At his retirement in 2002, he noted that his favorite courses were process theology (which he began teaching in 1966) and popular culture (a course he taught starting in 1977). A former colleague, Rev. Dr. Clyde Steckel, professor emeritus, recalls being “struck with his keen mind… I was pleased to find him on the United faculty, which I joined in 1970. Don was especially good at teaching process theology and helping students transition from traditional theologies needing to be deconstructed and then reconstructed.” Mary Kay Huntley Sauter (’95) fondly remembers Don for “Theology.” She continues, “Process theology is my theology because of him. Very grateful.” While a member of United’s faculty, Don worked closely with Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates, president emeritus, first as a colleague, and then as dean. Reflecting on his passing, Wilson shares, “Don White came to United soon after the school had been created, and here, he spent his career not only as a popular professor, but as one of the early faculty who helped the school define its role in theological education.” Wilson continues, “He taught the history of Christianity and pressed students to understand not only the theology of the churches that developed over those 2,000 years, but those churches’ institutional lives and the roles they played in shaping the cultures of which they were a part…. For those students who worked with him, he will still be remembered for the vital role he played in their lives. We are grateful for his time with us and mourn his passing.” It is a testament to Don’s enduring connection with students that both Phil Johnson and Ted Meads (’71) were still in touch 40 years later. As Ted wrote to Don after reviewing Don’s explanation of process theology concerning United’s recently highlighted 1967–1968 football team, “Your response to Phil reinforced why I so thoroughly enjoyed your classes so many years ago.” Alum Rev. Casey Baggot (’93), retired minister of Community Church of Vero Beach, spoke highly of Don’s impact after retiring. She wrote, “For several years after his retirement from United, Don continued inspiring students of all ages at Community Church of Vero Beach as Theologian in Residence. His intellect was untiring, and his lectures, talks, and programs were incredibly popular.” Don also served his church as a counselor. Casey continues, “Community Church members found themselves doubly blessed as he brought wisdom to enlighten and compassion to sustain the faithful journey.” “A seminary professor is able to leave a graceful imprint in the lives of students and faculty colleagues,” reflects current President Molly T. Marshall. “From all I have read of the service of Don White at United, I would echo the words of the writer of the Apocalypse: his ‘deeds will accompany him’ (Rev. 14:13b).” For all the students he taught, mentored, and coached, all the faculty and staff with whom he worked, and his service to the church, United is deeply grateful for the legacy of Rev. Dr. Don White, now of blessed memory. A service for Don will take place at Community Church of Vero Beach in Florida on Saturday, November 23, 2024, on what would have been Don’s 90th birthday.

June 14, 2024

Academics Announcements

Meet the Sims Scholars’ Advisory Committee

Announced in mid-February, the Sims Scholars Initiative—through which up to eight theology students in the Twin Cities can earn a tuition-free Master of Arts in Leadership degree at United—has been put into motion. At an advisory committee meeting in May, members expressed their excitement about progress made in the intervening months. Comprised of United alums, trustees, faculty, and friends who wear myriad professional hats, the committee members are committed to seeking qualified candidates and providing mentorship and advising services while the cohort attends seminary. Rev. Stacey Smith (’16), Presiding Elder for the Fourth District of the AME Church’s Chicago Annual Conference as well as a board member for United and the Minnesota Council of Churches, asserted that the initiative provides “an amazing opportunity for students to come [to United], have immediate community, [and] experience the seminary in a way that will help them blossom and gain additional skills.” Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis, lead minister at Plymouth Congregational Church—as well as a member of United’s board and adjunct faculty—is inspired by the widening breadth of theology being explored through the program, including Black spirituality and womanist theology. His greatest hope is that the Sims Scholars will have more expansive theological conversations and make strides in “confronting the fears we hide behind boundaries that we’ve accepted from tradition.” 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. Through this initiative, students will form an intentional cohort for mutual support, special studies, and mentoring. “Representation matters!” emphasized Dr. William Hart, professor of religious studies at Macalester College and United’s board secretary. Dr. Hart reflected on his experience with a Black cohort during his PhD experience at Princeton University, and noted that “having a critical mass [of similarly situated colleagues] can be incredibly powerful for students who come into a predominantly white institution.” “Who better than me to join this committee?” replied Rev. Dr. Darrell Gillespie (’23) when asked why he joined the advisory committee. Rev. Dr. Gillespie is the pastor/founder of Proverbs Christian Fellowship and a dean at Hope Academy. As someone who recently earned his DMin from United, he stated that United’s curriculum will enable students who study Black spirituality to “do church holistically well,” without the “financial burden” of earning a degree. Rev. Dr. Alika Galloway, the final member of the advisory committee, is co-pastor of Liberty Community Church, and co-founder of the Northside Healing Space and 21st Century Academy within the church. Rev. Dr. Galloway headlined at United in 2015 as that year’s 24th annual Susan Draper White lecturer, and co-taught courses with Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler. New cohort members may include persons already engaged in a profession who simply desire to learn more about the richness of Black spirituality. There will also be special learning opportunities for students that speak to Black experiences in church and society and extend beyond the core curriculum. Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green, II (associate professor of pastoral theology and social transformation), who chaired the advisory committee meeting, also came through a cohort program at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas when United President Molly T. Marshall was its president. From his perspective, a supportive cohort “makes a day-to-day difference in the reality of matriculating through a [seminary] program…at a predominately white institution [where students may be] confronted with ideas…some of which are not very comfortable initially.” This program falls under the growing umbrella of United’s systemic anti-racism work, which Rev. Dr. Green leads. A retired Cargill corporate vice president and former United trustee, Frank Sims, and his wife Robyn, are the generous donors behind the Sims Scholars initiative. “I am truly impressed and inspired,” he shared after listening to committee members’ statements. Like Rev. Dr. Green and Dr. Hart, he acknowledged that a supportive cohort of peers is key in education and needed in corporate America too. We cannot overstate, President Marshall concluded, the “magnitude of inaugurating this program and the horizons that it promises.” Learn more about the Sims Scholars’ program.

February 22, 2024

Announcements Religion and Theology

Donors Make Possible United’s New Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, February 22, 2024. Funded by a generous donation from Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004), and her husband, Keith Bednarowski, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is thrilled to announce the creation of a new tenure-track, endowed faculty position. The position will be known as the Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies. Dr. Bednarowski chose the name Sophia for its obvious tie to wisdom as well as “its call to the feminine spirit of the divine; its connections to the Re-Imagining Community celebrating women’s theological creativity which has been so much a part of the history of United; its re-emergence in theological and biblical studies to animate creation spiritualities.” Asked what inspired their gift, Dr. Bednarowski reflected on nearly 50 years of connection with United—as a faculty member, board member, and now “a devoted and intensely interested onlooker who recognizes the wonderfully distinctive contributions United makes to theological education, to religious communities, to academia, and to our society.” In addition, she shares, “I have a very deep faith that this full-of-life seminary will persist and flourish for many, many years. Keith and I want to be a part of that flourishing.” The focus on Religious and Theological Studies is also linked to Dr. Bednarowski’s connection with United. She asserts that religious and theological studies “enliven, interrogate, and deepen each other,” and United has always managed to “sustain both the integration and the distinctiveness of different emphases and perspectives…exceptionally well.” For President Molly T. Marshall, the Sophia Chair marks an auspicious occasion in the life of United. “We revel in charting new pathways of wisdom even as we explore the faith traditions we have inherited. We anticipate that this faculty chair will extend the legacy of Dr. Bednarowski’s scholarship and honor her capacity to encourage students to find critical distance from their traditions for the sake of clarification and commitment. Her search for wisdom will continue at United.” Dr. Bednarowski’s hope for United is that the seminary continues to work “for the sake of the common good.” She adds, “Wherever we find ourselves, I deeply believe we have to bring as much depth of response as possible to the profoundly evocative and complicated question: ‘What is going on here?’ And then comes the next question: ‘What are the most just and loving ways to respond?’” During Fall Convocation on September 26, 2024, United will formally install Dr. Demian Wheeler, associate professor of philosophical theology and religious studies, into the newly created Sophia Chair. For his part, Dr. Wheeler shares, “I am profoundly honored to be the first occupant of the new Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies. It is very uncommon for theological seminaries to include courses and positions in religious studies. However, at United, we believe that religious studies is an essential part of theological education, enabling us to study religion and theology as aspects of human culture, to view religious traditions from a critical distance and through a multidisciplinary lens, and to uncover the theological meanings and assumptions of every cultural production, from economic policies to works of art, from political movements to scientific discoveries.” Details for that celebration will be made available in the coming months. 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 cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138

January 25, 2024

Academics Announcements

United is One of Only 18 ATS-Accredited Seminaries with Five Consecutive Years of Growth

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, January 25, 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. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities—one of those 18—realized an 82 percent five-year growth rate, and is one of the only theologically progressive seminaries on the list. United’s growth is a remarkable achievement, especially in a timeframe when more than half of seminaries have been seeing stable or declining enrollment. As Chris Meinzer, senior director and COO at ATS, wrote, “In 2007, a shift occurred and fewer than 50 percent of ATS schools grew year-over-year;… this trend has essentially continued through fall 2023, when it is projected that 45 percent of ATS schools will have grown and 55 percent will have declined.” Reflecting on United’s appearance on the shortlist of growing seminaries, President Molly T. Marshall shares: “When looking at the ‘ecclesial family’ of schools, it is interesting to note that only Roman Catholic and Orthodox schools are showing a slight increase. Evangelical schools are down by .9 percent, and mainline schools are down by 3.6 percent. This makes United’s growth all the more significant as the trend for mainline schools is negative.” Why is United growing? President Marshall reflects: United has a desirable curriculum that emphasizes social transformation, theology and the arts, interreligious engagement, and public theology. United has gifted, student-focused faculty members who excel in their disciplines as well as their teaching. United welcomes students with myriad religious, spiritual, and theological leanings. This is reflected in the unique interreligious nature of the chaplaincy program. United has expanded online offerings to include Flex courses in both the DMin and master’s degrees to meet students’ need for scheduling flexibility. United is as interested in the questions as the answers. United envisions a future filled with hope, creativity, and sustainability. The seminary looks ahead with eager anticipation to continue realizing its mission: preparing innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Media Contact Nathanial Green, Director of Marketing & Communications ngreen@unitedseminary.edu About United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities Founded as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge.

October 24, 2023

Announcements

United’s Enrollment Climbs to Best Level Since 1996

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, October 24, 2023. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is exceedingly proud to announce that 239 students are enrolled for the fall 2023 term, representing a historic 281 percent increase from 2017. To put this good news into perspective, we must remember that United began in 1962 as a newly constructed residential seminary. In its first 10 years, United grew to 30 graduates, and by 1990, 45 graduates matriculated, including six Doctor of Ministry recipients. Recent figures tell the story of significant, sustained growth: In the fall of 2017, 85 students were enrolled. As the chart below shows, enrollment has since continued to rise year over year. This fall represents United’s largest enrollment in 27 years. What inspired this signal improvement during the last six years? Admissions and enrollment staff have engaged prospective students through innovative outreach and marketing. Additionally, United’s distance education is an enormous success story, allowing United to grow beyond the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and even the United States. Importantly, United’s alums make great ambassadors for the seminary, as do its stellar faculty. Speaking to the impact United’s growth is having on the educational experience and classroom life, Dr. Kyle Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, says, “Our growing enrollment has equated to full and vibrant classes, with a remarkable diversity of perspectives represented. This diversity and collective energy creates profound learning experiences that can't be replicated otherwise." United is led by a visionary of extraordinary skill and drive. Reflecting on United’s upward trajectory, President Molly T. Marshall shares: “At a time when many seminaries cannot attract students, United is experiencing a vibrant enrollment. I believe this is occurring because of our splendid faculty, enlivening curriculum, and our accessibility—both online and in person. Also, our admissions team is unparalleled in offering great support for those discerning whether seminary is for them.” United continues to evolve into the times in which it lives. Long concerned with issues of social justice, United has a history replete with examples of faculty, students, and alums fighting for ecological justice and an end to discrimination against people of color, women, individuals caught in the prison system, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Between four masters degree programs and a Doctor of Ministry program, students of myriad traditions, backgrounds, and identities are pursuing their vocations to become congregational ministers, chaplains, advocates, organizational leaders, and more. United’s future is filled with hope, creativity, and sustainability. The seminary looks ahead with eagerness to realize its mission, preparing innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Media Contact Nathanial Green, Director of Marketing & Communications ngreen@unitedseminary.edu About United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities Founded as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge.