Tag: theology and the arts

Featured Post

Dr. Ginger Morgan Announced as New Associate Professor and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, April 16, 2026 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is thrilled to announce that Dr. Ginger Morgan will join its faculty as the new Associate Professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Dr. Morgan will come to United from Madison, WI, where she is concluding her role at the Presbyterian Student Center Foundation as director of Candid and Community Initiatives. She is a highly qualified program director and chaplain with experience in healthcare, campus ministry, and higher education. With a PhD in Religion and Psychological Studies from Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Morgan draws from her theological and multidisciplinary education in her work. Interreligious studies is one of United’s four pillars, and the Interreligious Chaplaincy (IRC) program—unique among peer institutions—constitutes the largest and fastest-growing of the seminary’s programs over the past five years. In alignment with United’s ethos, Dr. Morgan is a gifted scholar of religious pluralism, highly educated in progressive theological education, and foregrounds justice in chaplaincy and pastoral care. These values are evident in a chapter titled “Many Doors: Expanding Thresholds for Grace,” written by Dr. Morgan for the upcoming book Dispatches from Campus (Augsburg Fortress Press). Dr. Morgan’s career also reflects her personal experiences and identity. Writing to the search committee, she shared, “My formation includes reconciling my lesbian identity with my faith and living as a religious minority in India during high school, both of which shaped my intercultural perspective and vocational commitments.” She continued, “Throughout my career, I have sought to create inclusive spaces of belonging, whether supporting LGBTQIA+ students, young adults in recovery from addiction, or building programs attentive to justice and equity." Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, President, reflects, “United welcomes Dr. Ginger Morgan with confidence and great enthusiasm. Her varied leadership roles, especially in chaplaincy, equip her uniquely to lead our robust IRC program and to teach pastoral and spiritual care.” In his announcement to the student body, Dr. Kyle Roberts—Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs—noted that Dr. Morgan’s “career in chaplaincy spans hospital, hospice, and higher education contexts, and extensive program leadership experience.” He added, “I want to thank Dr. Demian Wheeler for leading this search process, especially during its formative stages during my sabbatical.” After participating in a months-long faculty search and on-site candidate lecture, being recommended by a unanimous faculty vote, and gaining approval from the Board of Trustees’ Academic Committee, Dr. Morgan will officially begin on July 1. Students, faculty, and staff are eager to welcome her to United for this exciting new chapter. For more information about United’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program, click here. 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. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

Theology and the Arts Lunch: “Acrostic Poetry” with Kristina Erny

On March 10, from 12:15–1:15 PM CST—that’s 2:15 AM Shanghai time!—Sheryl Schwyhart (’20) will host a Theology and the Arts Lunch on campus at the Intersection, and online. Our special guest is Kristina Erny, a third-culture poet, visual artist, and the author of Elijah Fed by Ravens. Kristina was raised in South Korea and abroad, and currently lives in Shanghai, China. She will be sharing her praxis of poetry, “Acrostic Poetry,” and how it can expand our understanding of sacred texts. Join us onsite in The Intersection or click here to join via Zoom. > Questions? Contact Sheryl Schwyhart.

Reception with “Re: assembled” Artist Dale Dobias (’89)

Join fellow United community members and Dale Dobias ('89), an alum and the creator of the brilliant "Re: assembled — An Offering" exhibit on display on United's campus, for a reception on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT. We will enjoy the art and share light refreshments.

Art Exhibit — “Re: assembled — An Offering”

United is thrilled to be hosting an exhibit by Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member, titled "Re: assembled — An Offering." The exhibit, available for viewing in the center of United's campus, will be available from January 12 through February 27, 2026. On Friday, February 13, a reception was held with Dale on campus. 

Theology and the Arts Lunch with Dale Dobias (’89)

Join us for the first Theology and the Arts Lunch of 2026 featuring Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member. Dale, the artist and curator of the on-campus exhibit titled "Re: assembled — An Offering," will be joining us to talk about his art practice in mini collage and guide attendees in creating their own. Join us onsite in The Intersection or click here to join via Zoom. > Questions? Contact Sheryl Schwyhart.

2025 Fall Convocation

United's 2025 Fall Convocation will include a formal celebration of United’s newly established Wilson Yates Chair of Theology and the Arts. Our speaker will be the chair’s namesake, Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates (President Emeritus & Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society, and the Arts, 1967–2005). Wilson has made significant and lasting contributions to the life of United as well as the field of theology and the arts. He has expanded and deepened the connection between imagination, creativity, and theology as expressed through the arts, all of which have been at the core of United’s academic ethos for decades. The establishment of the Wilson Yates Chair of Theology and the Arts was made possible by a group of generous donors, including alums, current and former faculty, staff, and trustees, as well as those whose lives and vocations Wilson has impacted. Their gifts support, in perpetuity, the centrality of the arts at United as a core pillar of the seminary’s educational experience. This free event will take place on Thursday, September 25, at 12:15 PM CT. Happening onsite and online, Fall Convocation is always free and open to the public. Please park on the south side of the CASE building (767 Eustis St., St. Paul, MN 55114). Need directions? Click here > Direct any questions to Jen Bingen Buck at jbuck@unitedseminary.edu or 651-255-6162. Deadline: Please register by Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Note: We are aware of and working quickly to resolve an intermittent issue with our form vendor. If you experience any difficulties registering, please wait a couple of minutes and refresh the page. If you still encounter a problem, contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu, and he will ensure you are registered. We regret any inconvenience. Photo by James Butler. Used with permission from Hennepin Avenue UMC.

2025 Arts Praxis Showcase: Nexus

Please join us for the Arts Praxis showcase event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM CT in United’s chapel and online. The Arts Praxis exhibit, titled “Nexus,” will be on display in the United gallery. The artists will each briefly present their work, and they include Leah Eichmiller, Tyrone Fowlkes, Tierany Lyons, Megan Maki, Emily McKown, Walken Schweigert, and Amy Zucker Morgenstern. Light refreshments will be provided. Please register so we can prepare for our guests! If you will be joining us online, please access the showcase here. >

Social Fabric: The Lives of Our Beloved Textiles

What is alive in your favorite textile objects? Whose lives have they witnessed? For our first Theology and the Arts Lunch (bring your own) of 2025, join local fiber artist and zine-maker Allison Keirstead Jones onsite or online for a discussion about her anthology project, Social Fabric: The Lives of Our Beloved Textiles. You are invited to bring a special textile object from your life to present as part of our conversation. Join Us Via Zoom > Passcode: Awes-Freem

Theology and the Arts Lunch: “Tradition and Juxtaposition in the Work of Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi”

Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi (b. 1979) is an Iranian artist from Tehran who studied as a painter at the Art University in Tehran and then continued his education at Brera Fine Arts Academy in Italy, graduating in Visual Arts. In his works, he combines the focus, uniformity, and tradition of the (Middle-)East with the Western ideals of creative expression. In many of his pieces, Saleh Mohammadi juxtaposes iconography from Persia to explore the histories of Iran, Italy, Japan, and other countries of his encounter. His vision continues to push the boundaries of his own art, urging spectators to look beneath the surface and uncover the essence of materials, colors, and cultural intersections. He is currently based both in Milan and Antwerp. Join Us Via Zoom > Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman.

“Mementos of Failure” Exhibition: Learning from Our Failures

As part of our exhibition Mementos of Failure, we welcome Tyrone Fowlkes, curator and current DMin student in Theology and the Arts, who will reflect on the concept behind the exhibition, as well as the place and meanings of failure in our lives. After a brief presentation, he will be joined by a few panelists to extend the conversation, which will be followed by Q&A and further reflection with the audience. This will be taking place onsite in the United Chapel or online via Zoom. Light refreshments will be served. Join Via Zoom >