Date: May 26, 2023
I take a pause over the summer; and I must admit I enjoy reading the commentary over the summer. I find the chance to read about the work of other departments very moving. We all see VTS in different ways. And hearing from the directors of the Butterfly House or the Library is always interesting.
I finish this semester full of gratitude. Please allow me to express my gratitude to the leadership team. Yesterday, I highlighted the work of Senior Vice President Melody Knowles. Today, I am grateful for Vice President Linda Dienno coming to the rescue with Communications. I am grateful for Senior Vice President Jacqui Ballou for the sheer competence she brings to administration and finance. I am grateful Vice President Lisa Kimball who manages literally millions of dollars of grant income that has such an impact on the church. I am grateful to Acting Associate Dean of Students, the Rev. Rachelle Sam, for her willingness to cover Ruthanna’s sabbatical and do so with such pastoral graciousness and skill.
Finally, please allow me to say a thank you to my Chief of Staff, Ms. Taryn Habberley. In Taryn you have efficiency, enthusiasm, and a desire for everything to go well. Every day I am grateful.
Now everyone listed above would want to insist on sharing the gratitude with others in their teams. VTS succeeds because in the end we have a large number of people working extremely hard to create something great for God. Thank you everyone.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary