Date: August 11, 2026
Everyone will have (and many readers already have had) this moment. It is when you can see the end of your time in a particular place. The Search Committee of the Board has been formed. Listening sessions have been held. The position description is available on our website. The journey begins. Applications are coming in.
My role is to continue to serve as well as I can. There is some serious work still be done. The Association of Theological Schools wants an affiliation plan to be submitted by next June. There are three searches at Virginia Theological Seminary which are ongoing. We will have a budget to construct for next year. And every month there are issues to address and decisions to be made. However, I will strive to keep options open for my successor. Dean Horne created space for me to make decisions; I want to do the same for my successor.
I am deeply impressed by the quality of the search committee. It is a strong team of deeply thoughtful individuals committed to both institutions. I am especially delighted that the Rev. Troy Mendez is the chair. He knows theological education so well. Do please pray for the search and for the committee. This is important work that they are called to do.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.Â