Date: March 9, 2026
The Virginia Theological Seminary community celebrates with great pride the election of our Seminary Librarian, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Thompson, to the Atla Board of Directors. Atla—formerly the American Theological Library Association—is the leading professional association for librarians and information specialists in religion and theology. With more than 800 members across institutions and faith traditions, Atla plays a vital role in sustaining scholarly communication and advancing theological education worldwide. To be elected to its Board is a mark of deep respect from one’s peers and a recognition of both professional excellence and visionary leadership.
Dr. Thompson’s election for the 2026–2029 term highlights his significant contributions to theological librarianship and his longstanding commitments within the Episcopal Church and the wider academic community. At VTS, Joe has shaped the library’s role as a center of learning, accessibility, and hospitality, while also serving on the Advisory Committee for the Archives of the Episcopal Church. His combination of historical insight, digital literacy, and commitment to inclusion continues to enrich both the Seminary and the field at large.
In his candidate statement, Joe emphasized his dedication to expanding initiatives like the Diversity Scholarship and addressing the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies such as generative AI—ensuring these advances serve the values of equity and inclusion. These priorities embody the intellectual and moral vision at the heart of Atla’s mission. We extend our warmest congratulations to Joe on this significant achievement and express our confidence that his voice will strengthen Atla’s ongoing work to foster a more just and interconnected community of theological scholarship.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.