Tag: Howard Thurman

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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

Book Launch and Panel for “Howard Thurman: Reflections on a Luminous Life”

This event is a book launch and panel on Howard Thurman. Adjunct faculty member Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung has edited a new book titled Howard Thurman: Reflections on a Luminous Life, released on September 15, 2026, written by his protégé James Earl Massey. This biography and assessment of Thurman's thought was originally written in the 1970s. Howard Thurman was an active participant with author Massey in the content. The book was never published. Now, 50 years later, the book is available to the public with additional editorial commentary by Dr. DeYoung. This launch event for the book includes a panel discussion on the importance of Howard Thurman for today. Panelists are: United adjunct faculty member and DMin alum, Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms (’26); Founding Pastor of New City Church, Rev. Tyler Ho-Yin Sit; and Associate Pastor for Justice and Mission at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rev. Alanna Simone Tyler. Books will be available for sale at the event at a discounted price.