Written by: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities February 22, 2024

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.” Keith and Mary Farrell Bednarowski Establish the Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies

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

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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. >