Written by: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities October 9, 2024

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

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

Explore More Articles

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. >