Written by: United Theological Seminary February 10, 2021

United Board of Trustees Announces Selection of Interim President Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall

Molly Headshot - cropped

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall to serve as Interim President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

The Board of Trustees of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has unanimously selected the Reverend Dr. Molly T. Marshall as its Interim President beginning March 1, 2021. The selection followed a comprehensive search and thorough vetting of candidates by a search committee with representation from trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alums. The search followed the recently announced planned retirement of President Dr. Lewis P. Zeidner.

Marshall most recently served as the President of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas (2004 – 2020). During her tenure at Central Baptist, she implemented strategic plans to dramatically increase student enrollment, stabilize the school’s finances, increase fundraising efforts, and create a culture of inclusion.

Marshall is a Christian theologian and has taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Central Baptist Theological Seminary, in addition to serving in several adjunct and visiting professor roles. She was ordained in 1983 and received Privilege of Call from the American Baptist Churches, Inc. in 1997.

“The committee was engaged by Dr. Marshall’s effective balance of administrative, fundraising, and academic leadership skills, including her strong track record of organizational success within theological education,” said Dr. Jack Rossmann, the chair of the United Search Committee. “We are witnessing more and more students called to United – a progressive seminary with a unique curriculum that incorporates the arts, social transformation, and interfaith pursuits. We look forward with faith-filled hope to Dr. Marshall’s strategic leadership as we continue to equip those called to ministry and service in all areas of church and society.”

In accepting the role of Interim President, Marshall said, “Not only does a seminary seek to ‘receive all as Christ’—the seeker, the uncertain, the faithless, the wounded, the skeptic—it also provides a space for the creativity of the Spirit to be made welcome in individuals and the whole community. I look forward to joining the United community and participating in strengthening its mission alongside faculty, staff, students, alums, the Board, donors, and friends.”

###

Explore More Articles

December 17, 2025

Community Relationships Faith

Lauren Busey (’07) Ministers to a New Beloved Community at Pickledilly Skokie

Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned an undergraduate degree from Luther College, and thought she would probably attend a Lutheran seminary. Then, at a Luther College women’s retreat, Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Nueger (’80)— Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005)—was the featured speaker and knew Lauren’s campus pastor. “So,” Lauren remembers, “we just kind of got to talking, and within a couple of weeks, I was enrolled at United.” United “was a good fit,” Lauren asserts. She found a welcoming community of fellow students and treasured professors. Those who had the greatest impact include Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship, and Theology and the Arts, 2001–2012), Dr. Marilyn Salmon† (Professor Emerita of New Testament Theology, 1989–2014), and Dr. Carolyn Pressler (Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, 1990–2020). (more…)

Images of Hope: Advent in Art

Art has the tremendous power to restore us in a time when our world seems to make no sense and we need a moment of respite and encouragement from our daily struggles. A single photograph of a flower or a laughing child can buoy our spirit to carry on. (more…)

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez Finds Vocational Inspiration at United

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez, who plans to graduate from United in 2026 with an MA in Religion and Theology, was initially drawn to the seminary’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program. Since taking more classes, engaging with his professors, becoming involved in the Student Leadership Collective, and taking on other extracurricular activities, he has settled on a new calling. “I discovered,” Alex shares, “that I have a natural affinity toward academics.” In fact, he admits, “I want to be like my professors.” Before coming to United, Alex was a substitute teacher in Puerto Rico. Since he moved to Minnesota, he has been working in student development and promoting student success. The priority of student success is the throughline, Alex perceives, from his current role and an academic career. “If I am to go into academia,” he explains, “part of my success as a teacher, professor, and researcher depends on the success of my future students.” (more…)