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 […]
On June 16, we will welcome to campus VTS doctoral students for their annual summer residency. People often ask what makes VTS doctoral programs distinct, especially compared with other Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) programs. In addition to our curriculum which focuses around three tracks—Ministry Development, Educational Leadership, and Christian Spirituality—there […]
For the second year in a row, TryTank is partnering with a remarkable group of ecumenical collaborators to launch a bold research initiative—this time focused on the vitality of lay-led congregations. As more churches across denominations shift to lay leadership due to a continued decline in ordained clergy, we’re asking a crucial question: can these […]