We are moving quickly toward a Board meeting, which means this is the season when our Trustees are gathering in their various committees. Over the course of this week, we have met with the Trustees Committee, the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the Finance Committee. Each of these meetings represents a significant moment in the […]
It was a joy to gather in the Chapel yesterday – the first time we have done so this semester. Our Associate Dean for Chapel, the Rev. Dr. Shawn Strout, presided at the altar, and the Rev. Dr. Ruthanna Hooke offered a thoughtful and challenging reflection, inviting us to live less safely in this moment, […]
It was January 21, 2025 – just over a year ago – when the Bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Budde, delivered her now-memorable sermon. Her words were carefully chosen. It was not offensive; it was not even “calling someone out” (especially since the administration had not yet begun its work). Rather, it gently […]
Yesterday, I decided that the focus needed to be on the extraordinary weather and the remarkable service of Facilities and Meriwether Godsey. That was exactly right. Today, however, please allow me a brief moment of personal privilege. As you all know, I am returning from medical leave. I had surgery in early December and, on […]
The Winter Spring semester has started with some wintry weather. We have been fortunate so far, but much of the country is now gripped by cold, ice, and—in some places—heavy snow. Conditions can change quickly, and even familiar paths can become hazardous when temperatures drop and ice forms overnight. It is important that we all […]
I shared these sentiments elsewhere last year and have been thinking about it a lot more recently with the rapidly increasing illiteracy rates in the U.S. alongside the rising use of Generative Artificial Intelligence over and against more “analog” ways of creating ideas, research, and study. I am convinced that a significant hinderance to our […]
I am acutely aware that this is my last academic year serving on the VTS faculty and senior administration. There are moments that feels ordinary but increasingly the ordinary is becoming significant as I log a growing list of “lasts.” In response, I am determined to be faithfully present to my students and campus life, and that commitment only becomes more urgent with the hourly news of human […]
Not too long ago, the January term was fairly uncomplicated. We offered a couple of week-long courses on campus as well as longer travel seminars. Recently, as a way to support doctoral students writing their thesis we added a Doctoral Writing Course during the first week. With the affiliation with GTS, we now also welcome […]
For the month of January, the Dean’s Commentary will feature text by VTS & GTS faculty members writing about what they are currently teaching, reading, or writing about. Over the past decade, artificial intelligence has moved from the pages of science fiction into the everyday life of the church, shaping how intelligence, authority, creativity, and […]
This month the Dean’s commentary will feature text by VTS & GTS faculty members writing about what they are currently teaching, reading, or writing about. Justice is not only a principle, a value, or a virtue. Justice is a practice of building right relationship with neighbors and enemies. Next week a group of 16 students […]