Category: Dean’s Commentary

This Is Fine: An MBA Story

I began my MBA journey at George Mason University in August 2023 after years of saying, “I’ll get to it eventually.” The final push came from two very persistent people: my best friend, who was already deep into her graduate program, and my supervisor, who made a sport out of asking when I planned to […]

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A Year of Strength, Gratitude, and New Perspective

Each year, when I am invited to write a reflection to share with our community, I take time to think about the moments, lessons, and experiences that shaped the past year. Some years are filled with growth, celebrations, and exciting milestones. Other years bring challenges we never imagined we would face. For me, this past […]

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From Repairs to Readiness: Summer Facilities Update

This summer, the VTS Facilities Team got off to a rough start with a major leak in the Central Plant’s hot water supply pipe that feeds the campus circulation system. This pipe is essential for delivering hot water to several buildings on campus, so the failure had an immediate impact on comfort and daily operations. […]

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Why Every Homeowner Should Know Their Main Water Shut-Off Valve

I recently accompanied a technician from Virginia American Water who was conducting a survey of VTS faculty homes, and it reinforced how critical it is to know where your main water shut-off valve is. This information is essential for any homeowner or renter who wants to prevent serious water damage and protect their property. The […]

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Thank You PJ Hobbs

PJ Hobbs has been Acting Director of the Doctoral Programs since 2024.  As he prepares to return to his role as Senior Lecturer and welcome back Ross Kane as Director, the doctoral faculty expresses their gratitude for PJ’s work. The choice of PJ Hobbs for Interim Director of the Doctoral  Programs at VTS was an […]

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Connecting Hospitality, Technology, and Community at VTS

Happy summer, everyone! As Taryn mentioned in commentary this week, “The dean’s office at VTS is more than an administrative hub—it’s a place where hospitality, service, and seamless coordination come together to support our mission.” I couldn’t agree more, and I am incredibly happy to be a part of such a wonderful team! Reflecting on […]

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Cultivating Welcome

Summer at the Welcome Center has a different rhythm. As campus quiets, the slower pace creates space for me to step beyond my usual responsibilities and help out in other departments. I’m grateful for the chance to collaborate with others and support the work that keeps our community healthy and growing. I’ve also been reflecting on […]

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Introducing the Dean’s Office Team

This week readers of the Dean’s Commentary will hear from the core team that makes up the Dean’s Office staff at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS).   The dean’s office at VTS is more than an administrative hub – it’s a place where hospitality, service, and seamless coordination come together to support our mission. At the forefront […]

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Preparing The Way: A CXM Summer

Summer at the Seminary tends to slow down. The dorms empty out, campus quiets, and the pace eases. But like many across campus, we in Contextual Ministry use these months to prepare for the upcoming school year. Contextual Ministry is the part of student development that happens outside the classroom, in parishes, hospitals, shelters, and […]

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Summer Breeze

The summer season often arrives in its own time and leaves without warning. Welcome summer, not as hot, humid, pop-up rain showers and thunderstorms. Greet summer with the intents of long walks on the beach, movies and music in the park, backyard family gatherings, bike trails, and majestic mountains. Morning meditation on the deck as […]

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