This September marks six years since the Seminary announced the creation of its Reparations Program. The funds within the Program’s now $2.8 million endowment are exclusively designated for payments to our participating shareholders- the direct descendants of African Americans whose labor built and sustained VTS. Over the course of the last six years, the Program’s […]
This past year I have been privileged to learn the good work of the Office of Multicultural Ministries first-hand as the Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries. From first contact with new students, faculty and staff in the Introduction to Intercultural Competency Course (ICC), to the various programs and events sponsored and supported by Multicultural Ministries, […]
When I first met Ian Markham, he had just arrived at VTS as our new Dean and President. I was a second-year seminarian, and he brought with him a spirit of optimism and a deep love for the Church. I remember the elective he taught—“Do We All Go to Heaven?”—where he encouraged us to see […]
My first encounter with our esteemed Dean and President was our work together as Trustees for St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. We each have one son and our boys were one year apart so there was an immediate bond of understanding of the love and pride we share of these two remarkable young men. […]
It is a great privilege for me to write today’s commentary and share my thoughts with you about our friend, The Very Reverend Ian Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of The Virginia Theological Seminary. Dean Markham’s leadership of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) from 2007 to 2028 will be remembered as one of the most consequential […]
Transformational leadership requires not only facing the big challenges but also setting the right tone in numerous personal encounters from individual meetings to critical discussions at Board of Trustees meetings. During Ian Markham’s tenure, he faced the big challenges of major financial upheavals in 2008, the chapel fire and reconstruction and capital campaign for the […]
The research and literature on not-for-profit governance offers good advice on organization and procedure. Regulatory and statutory compliance is stressed. The advice cannot suggest outcomes, and making decisions is the duty of governing boards, but case studies that pose conflicts of interest and common dilemmas are useful preparation. Good governance requires not just oversight, but […]
This summer, we will welcome approximately forty students for the three-week doctoral residency that combines intensive coursework, worship, and fellowship. About thirty more doctoral students have already completed their summer residencies and are writing their doctoral theses at home. Special congratulations to the six doctoral students who completed their degrees and graduated last month! Our […]
As we anticipate welcoming students to campus on June 16, there are so many people and programs that make the doctoral residency possible. Faculty teach and mentor students, including full-time faculty and our dedicated doctoral Senior Lecturers. Many offices across VTS contribute to the residency as well. AASL, IA, and the Dean’s Office have all […]
During the doctoral summer intensive which starts on June 16, we will have worship Monday through Friday at noon in the Immanuel Chapel. An opening Eucharist begins our time together on June 16 and a closing Eucharist completes the summer residency on July 4. Other days we share noonday prayer between class and lunch. Given […]