Date: May 25, 2023
Time passes in an almost imperceptible way. Every morning when I look at myself in the mirror, I look almost identical from the day before. It is only as I look at a photograph of myself from ten years ago that I see the major differences.
Yet it is healthy to pause and reflect on the passing of time. We have had in many ways a good semester. Although COVID is still with us (and I continue to encourage the wearing of the mask for those who wish to do so), there is a greater sense of normality. The incoming class is not quite as large as we hoped, but it is good. The graduating class was outstanding. The Faculty have continued to write and be honored. The Butterfly House is graduating some remarkable children. The construction is nearly over. The Library is now helping General Theological Seminary. All this and more makes this a good semester.
There are many people for whom I am grateful. In one sense to list them all is impossible. So, please allow me to lift up one such person. The Senior Vice President Melody Knowles has been remarkable. Days have been long; conversations have been hard; but this sense of program normality is her triumph. I am truly grateful.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary