Louisville Seminary Presidential Search Profile 2023

We embrace and celebrate the promise of “Whosoever”. It forms the basis of our Mission Statement:

Led by the Holy Spirit, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary educates people to proclaim the gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere.

Where We Have Been: ROOTED IN RICH TRADITION

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, one of ten seminaries in the Presbyterian Church (USA), is distinguished by its nationally recognized field education and marriage and family therapy programs, the scholarship and church service among its faculty, and a commitment to training women and men to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has been building up the Body of Christ for more than 160 years in a tradition rooted in Scripture and the Reformed tradition, while developing innovative ways to respond to contemporary society’s needs.

The present Louisville Seminary represents an unprecedented result of cooperation among Presbyterians in the face of regional tensions and competition. Its heritage stems from two seminaries founded by two branches of the Presbyterian Church. In 1853, Danville Theological Seminary welcomed its first students in Danville,

Kentucky. Forty years later, in 1893, Southern Presbyterians in the Synods of Kentucky and Missouri founded a rival seminary in Louisville.

In 1901, under the leadership of Dr. Charles Hemphill, the seminaries in Danville and Louisville were united in spite of strong feelings of antipathy between the two spawned by the American Civil War. The cooperation in founding and then supporting Louisville Seminary was an outstanding example of a unified Presbyterian witness to the American people.

For 60 years, Louisville Seminary ministered to the Louisville community from its downtown home at First and Broadway. During the 1937 flood after most of the city was evacuated, some seminary faculty and administrators stayed behind to shelter refugees trapped by the flood waters. The institution housed nearly 500 servicemen during World War II, and seminary enrollment surged with veterans retiring from the military after the war.

LOCATION

In April of 1963, spring hailed the rebirth of Louisville Seminary in a new location on Alta Vista Road adjacent to historic Cherokee Park.

Rebirth came for the Presbyterian Church as well when the northern and southern streams reunited in 1983 after 122 years of separation.

In the summer of 1987, the General Assembly voted to relocate the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to Louisville. This gave Louisville Seminary students and faculty the opportunity to form closer relationships with denominational leaders, as well as with leaders of other communions.

Louisville, KY is a welcoming city focused on fostering compassion and unity among its citizens. It boasts a low cost of living, a thriving arts and music scene, world-class restaurants, minimal traffic, and beautiful parks. Louisville is a

place where Midwest meets South, with big city opportunities but a small-town feel—where locals and transplants alike are committed to supporting small local businesses, keeping Louisville vibrant, and taking pride in being Loo-uh-vill-ians.

Visit liveinlou.com and keeplouisvilleweird.com for more information about the greater Louisville community.

CALLING AND COMMITMENT

At the core of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is the commitment to be a “WHOSOEVER” community—one that exemplifies and champions God’s love, justice, and inclusive welcome. It is front and center in our worship service in Caldwell Chapel and is at the very core of our community culture.

that whosoever believeth...

John 3:16 The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version

OUR “WHOSOEVER”

FOCUS

God’s promise of everlasting life is based on an incomprehensible, unlimited love. We embrace and stand on the promise of “Whosoever” as an institution that strives to faithfully reflect the love of Jesus.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary…

Strives to offer affordable and accessible theological education

Continues to become an anti-racist seminary

Continues to become a seminary that affirms people who are LGBTQIA+

Continues to become a seminary that welcomes people who have disabilities

Continues to become a seminary that welcomes people who are neurodivergent

Continues to welcome students of many faiths and those who identify with no religious tradition

OUR MISSION

Led by the Holy Spirit, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary educates people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere.

OUR VISION

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary works toward a world where all can flourish, evidenced by the justice and mercy of God, the welcome of Jesus Christ, and the creativity of the Holy Spirit.

OUR GOALS

To achieve our envisioned future, Louisville Seminary focuses on goals specific to Scholarship, Infrastructure, Community, Justice, and Earth Care.

SCHOLARSHIP (ACADEMIC) GOALS

Provide students with an outstanding theological and practical education that prepares them for service in a pluralistic society.

INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS

Improve technology to allow for digitallyintegrated learning, provide accessible and technologically flexible housing, create an environmentally sustainable campus, and enhance connectivity.

COMMUNITY GOALS

All constituencies in the Louisville Seminary community (including employees, administrators, faculty, board members, students, donors, friends, and alums) will share in transparent communication.

JUSTICE GOALS

Louisville Seminary aims to identify and dismantle systems of oppression (in pedagogy, in institutional operations, in community, and in Louisville).

EARTH CARE GOALS

Louisville Seminary will work toward becoming an ecologically sustainable seminary and one where connections to place, Earth, and the larger web of creation are fully integrated into our learning.

To gain a greater understanding of LPTS core values, mission, vision, and goals, please visit lpts.edu/mission

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

ACCREDITATION STATUS

Louisville Seminary along with being one of ten theological schools of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Seminary is officially recognized by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church as an appropriate school for its candidates to receive their theological education. Louisville Seminary warmly welcomes individuals from the wider ecumenical community as well.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: MDiv, MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, MA in Religion, DMin.

The Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is also licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) as a non-public postsecondary institution.

The four degrees for which Louisville Seminary is accredited are:

Master of Divinity (CIP 390602)

Master of Arts in Religion (CIP 390601)

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (CIP 51.1505)

Doctor of Ministry (CIP 390602)

MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDiv)

This program is designed for students seeking ordination in denominations that require the Master of Divinity degree and for enhancing the ministerial careers of students whose denominations do not require the degree.

The MDiv program provides the educational foundation for church leaders, including those seeking ordination. Courses are organized in four distinct but interlocking frameworks that correlate with crucial roles in the practice of ministry:

Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation

Building Communities and Nurturing Relationships

Communal Wisdom and Witness

800 Hours of Field Education

Requirements include 3 years; 81 hours of coursework; and 800 hours of field education.

MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION (MAR)

The MAR program strives to reflect the church’s vocation to bear witness to the grace of the triune God as shown in Jesus Christ, and continue Louisville Seminary’s history of reaching across cultural, racial, and religious divides.

Deep learning happens through classroom encounters, real world engagement, and focused research preparing people for creative and critical engagement with religious traditions and the intersection of religion and various professions.

Students pursuing the MAR degree program may specialize in:

Biblical Studies

Religious Thought

General Tracks (Custom-Designed Concentration)

Requirements include 2 years (full time); 54 credit hours.

MASTERS OF ARTS IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MAMFT)

This program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

The MAMFT program prepares students for entrylevel, multicultural professional practice in Marriage and Family Therapy and equips them to reflect

theologically on their work and the theories that inform their professional practice. The program educates persons with theological and spiritual commitments to become therapists. Graduates meet requirements for marriage and family therapy licensure in most states and will qualify for AAMFT clinical membership.

Requirements include 2 ½-3 years; 70 hours of coursework; and 300 hours of supervised clinical practice.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin)

This is an advanced professional program for those with a Master of Divinity degree and significant ministry experience. Students who successfully complete the program submit a final integrative project that demonstrates the ability to perform advanced, social-scientific research and to reflect theologically on the practice of ministry.

Louisville Seminary’s DMin degree strengthens the connection between theology and ministry practice either in the church, or in fields closely related to the mission and witness of the church, through intentionally small cohorts, qualitative research methods, writing retreats, workshops, and ongoing support for students’ success. DMin students

meet in January and June for 1-2 weeks. The following tracks are offered:

Advanced Practice of Ministry

Black Church Studies (with a special emphasis on rural Black Church Ministry)

Pastoral Care and Counseling

DUAL DEGREES

Kent School of Social Work

Brandeis School of Law

The College of Business and Public Administration

Those who answer a call may find they have gifts and passions in multiple disciplines and may need additional education and training for their multivocational ministry. Students may apply to more than one master’s degree program. Currently 13% of our student body is pursuing dual degrees.

Degree requirements include:

MDiv & MAMFT: 127 Credit Hours / (5 years)

MDiv & MAR: 108 Credit Hours / (4 years)

MAMFT & MAR: 97 Credit Hours / (4 years)

Louisville Seminary offers Dual Degrees in partnership with the University of Louisville (UofL).

Specific degrees include:

MDiv & Master of Business Administration (4 years)

MDiv & Master of Science in Social Work (4-5 years)

MDiv & Juris Doctor (5 years)

Information on Louisville Seminary’s educational effectiveness to include program benchmarks, graduation rate, and ministry placement after graduation, can be found at: lpts.edu/mission#edu

SCHOLARSHIPS

The practice since 2015 has been for Louisville Seminary to guarantee 100% tuition scholarships to all half-time and full-time master’s degree students, including international students. This tremendous gift is made possible through the generosity of alums, churches, and other friends of the Seminary.

In addition, Bookend Scholarships are funds to assist students with the cost of books, and a limited number of Presidential Scholarships are awarded each year in the amount of $20,000. This amount includes the 100% tuition scholarship with any remaining funds to be used for housing or other related expenses.

At our annual Thank-a-Thon, students hand write notes to express their gratitude to donors.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

FACULTY

Our current faculty comprises 16 professors with credentials from some of the world’s leading theological institutions and universities.

48% of the faculty is female

62% of the faculty are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Faith traditions represented include: United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, American Baptist, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran (ELCA)

Average length of service is 15 years

60% are ordained/rostered

Graduate Institutions where faculty received degrees include Yale, Harvard, Union Seminary, Princeton, Graduate Theological Union, and Claremont.

CALDWELL CHAPEL

Worship is central to community life at the Seminary. The community gathers in Caldwell Chapel to encounter God, individually and corporately, through Word and Sacrament.

On special days during the liturgical year, additional services of worship, like the Service of Lessons and Carols, include spouses, children, and the larger community. Regular participation in worship is central to the spiritual formation of students.

For full faculty bios, visit: lpts.edu/faculty

ERNEST MILLER WHITE LIBRARY

The Ernest Miller White Library features collections that include more than 137,000 bound volumes, 235,000 eBooks, 7,108 online serials and 87 research databases. Three group study rooms, computer workstations, individual study carrels, and a podcasting studio with lights, cameras, and video-editing software are available for community use.

from thousands of academic journals, magazines, and newspapers, as well as streaming video and high-quality images. The library catalog, electronic resources, services, and hours are accessible from the library online.

Participation in the Kentuckiana Metroversity Consortium, gives students, faculty, and staff borrowing privileges from 10 academic libraries in the Louisville area, including Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville.

The library web page provides students, faculty, and staff remote access to Library eBooks, course reserves,and research databases with indexing and full text articles

The library’s instructional programs support the use of the Library’s resources, providing information literacy and course-related research instruction to help students become confident and competent users of information and versed in the practice of scholarship. Library staff are available to assist students with research assistance and questions, fulfilling the library’s mission to assist patrons to search intelligently and strategically for information, evaluate the information critically, and utilize it effectively and ethically.

LOUISVILLE SEMINARY COUNSELING CENTER

Louisville Seminary Counseling Center (LSCC) offers clinical training for students in the MAMFT degree program while serving the counseling needs of the larger Louisville community by providing affordable mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LSCC offers in-person and Telehealth services.

LOUISVILLE INSTITUTE

Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. since 1990, Louisville Institute’s mission is to bridge Church and Academy through awarding grants and fellowships to those who lead and study North American religious institutions, practices, and movements, thereby promoting scholarship that strengthens Church, academy, and society, and ultimately contributes to the flourishing of the Church.

The Institute advances this work through funding diverse research that addresses the changing and diverse global, multicultural, generational, intersectional, and emerging currents facing North American Christianity, as well as related global connections and implications.

In addition, the Institute’s Vocation of the Theological Educator initiative seeks to nurture a new generation of scholars who are considering theological education as a vocation through intentional, focused, professional formation and teaching. Learn more at louisville-institute.org.

GARDENCOURT

We are proud to offer Gardencourt as Louisville’s premiere wedding venue option.

A one-of-a-kind property on Louisville’s National Historic Register and part of the LPTS campus, Gardencourt features unique meeting facilities, wedding and reception sites, and a selection of catered cuisine to meet both the professional social entertaining needs of our community.

CAMPUS AT-A-GLANCE

Since 1963, the home of the LPTS campus has been located in the Cherokee-Seneca neighborhood, a tranquil and convenient location rich in tradition.

Spanning five decades, brothers Bryant Carter, Sr. and Bobi (boe-bee) Carter were beloved and vital “fixtures” at Louisville Seminary—serving together in the Facilities Department for 83 years collectively. In their honor, and with overwhelming support of Louisville Seminary leadership, a looping area of the drive upon entering the Seminary grounds was dedicated as “Carter Circle”in the fall of 2022.

LPTS President has the honor of sitting as Chair of the Board of Louisville Institute.

STUDENT LIFE

At Louisville Seminary, students study, work, and worship with faculty, peers, and ministry professionals who have diverse views and backgrounds, but share a passion for Christ. The resulting relationships facilitate deep learning and catalyze personal and professional transformation.

Students have access to affordable on-campus student housing that is family and pet friendly. Our campus is adjacent to two beautiful parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with a network of hiking and biking trails.

Students have the opportunity to participate in Campus Organizations, including:

CAMPUS KIDS

CHAPEL MINISTERS

DELTA KAPPA MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY

HONORS SOCIETY

GAYRAUD WILMORE SOCIETY OF BLACK

SEMINARIANS

PRESBYTERIAN CONNECTION

RESIDENTIAL LIFE COMMITTEE

SEXUALITY AND GENDER ALLIANCE

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

STUDENTS FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

WESLEY CONNEXION

WOMEN AT THE WELL

Laws Lodge Building: Student Housing

The Laws Lodge Conference and Retreat Center became the newest building on Louisville Seminary’s campus in 2000. In 2021, it underwent extensive renovation to becoming student housing resulting in 38 new living spaces.

There are regularly scheduled and special activities with different age groups. CampusKids creates connections that support and involve the families on campus, and seeks to design ways to integrate children into the life of the Louisville Seminary Community.

CampusKids is a ministry for the children of students and employees of the seminary. There are regularly scheduled and special activities with different age groups. Campus Kids creates connections that support and involve the families on campus, and seeks to design ways to integrate children into the life of the Louisville Seminary Community.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The management and control of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is vested in its Board of Trustees, an elected body of up to 37 members.

The Trustees give oversight to the operations of the Seminary through shared governance with the Seminary President and its faculty. The Trustees elect the President and faculty and confer degrees.

The Board of Trustees has responsibility for the policies governing all aspects of Seminary life.

The Board of Trustees meets twice each year for two to three days. The work of the Board is accomplished through its committees, including the following standing committees: Executive, Academic Affairs, Community Life, Philanthropy & Stewardship, Audit, Governance, and Finance.

ALUMS

Louisville Seminary has over 2,400 alums who serve in ministry throughout the world as pastors, therapists, chaplains, teachers, community activists, and church leaders.

The Distinguished Alum Award is given to graduates of Louisville Seminary who have made a lasting impact on the Church and society through outstanding professional, volunteer, or philanthropic accomplishments; and/or who have advanced the Seminary’s mission.

“My education at LPTS was much more than preparation for a future job. It taught me to think critically and systematically about the world around me. It taught me how to engage the Bible in new and different ways and how to put this re-education into action in the community. This new thought process combined with practical, real-world engagement, made me feel competent and confident to enter into my call to ministry.” - Megan

McCarty, MDiv/MAMFT

‘18

ENGAGING THE WORLD

The church and the world need leaders who can communicate well even when beliefs and cultures differ. At Louisville Seminary, our community engages topics of race, gender, and social justice inside and outside of the classroom.

ACTIVISM

Living out our faith can take the form of community organizing and the public ministry of protest. Our students, employees, and alums are often present at marches and rallies crying out against racism and other injustices such as LGBTQIA+ discrimination and attacks on women’s rights.

LECTURE SERIES

Louisville Seminary hosts lecture series and other special events throughout the year, inviting renowned scholars from all over the world to present on theological topics such as faith-based efforts for peace and justice, civil rights, church planting and renewal, global mission, the Black Church, ecumenical and interfaith relations, and many others. These events are open to the public and may be available in a hybrid format.

TRAVEL SEMINARS

Regular travel seminars are offered in January and May/June and have included locations such as Israel/Palestine, El Camino de Santiago, Cuba, Brazil, and South Africa.

LPTS BY THE NUMBERS

2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR

Investment in Plant, Less Depreciation = $14.1M

Plant Replacement Insured Value = $30.1M

Cost of Operating Physical Plant = $1.2M

Endowment = $82.6M*

Tuition Income

Masters = $909,000**

DMin = $50,000

FACULTY

Number of Faculty as of Fall 2022

Full-Time: 16

Adjunct: 5

Tenured: 10

Student/Teacher Ratio: 4:1

ALUMS GIVING (FY 2021-2022)

Living Alums (as of 12/22): 2,419

Board Participation: 100%

Faculty/Student: 40%

Alum Participation: 11%

Living Donors Total Giving: $1,083,596

Annual Fund: $575,030

Non-Annual: $508,566 [includes PC(USA) churches]

STUDENT ENROLLMENT STATISTICS / SPRING 2023 / TOTAL HEADCOUNT: 98***

DMin Students: 28

RACE

African American: 21%

Asian: 11%

Caucasian: 50%

Hispanic: 14%

2+ Races: 4%

AVERAGE AGE: 50

GENDER

Male: 32%

Female: 68%

DENOMINATIONS

AME: 3%

Baptist: 15%

Church of God: 3%

Church of Christ: 3%

Episcopal: 3%

PC(USA): 54%

Restoration Temple Ministries: 3%

Seventh-Day

Adventist: 8%

United Methodist: 8%

Masters Students: 62

RACE

African American or Black:16%

Asian: 2%

White: 75%

Hispanic: 2%

2+ Races: 3%

Unknown: 2%

AVERAGE AGE: 37.6

GENDER

Male: 31%

Female: 67%

They/Them: 2%

DENOMINATIONS

Baptist: 8%

Church of Brethren: 2%

Christian Church: 2%

Church of God: 2%

Disciples of Christ: 3%

Jewish: 2%

Non-Denominational: 16%

PC(USA): 31%

Presbyterian/Other: 2%

Roman Catholic: 3%

United Methodist

Church: 13%

Unitarian: 2%

United Church of Christ: 6%

Other: 3%

*As of February 2023

**Amount to cover tuition at full rate

***Count includes students on leave

Unknown: 5%

COMMON PURPOSE INITIATIVE (CPI)

COMMON PURPOSE INITIATIVE (CPI)

Louisville Seminary recently completed a “Common Purpose Initiative (CPI)” to help consider anew our institutional ethos, to understand and assess the systems and structures in which we currently operate, and to appreciate the gifts and sensibilities of one another.

The CPI called on participation from trustees, administrators, faculty, and students who assessed the functions of and interwork among critical areas of seminary operations. Workgroups focusing on education, strategic envisioning, institutional systems development, governance, and communications were established. Each workgroup identified common goals among all areas of our institutional structure to streamline operations and ensure institutional productivity and sustainability.

Louisville Seminary recently completed a “Common Purpose Initiative (CPI)” to help consider anew our institutional ethos, to understand and assess the systems and structures in which we currently operate, and to appreciate the gifts and sensibilities of one another.

Improvements of technology sits at the top of Louisville Seminary’s operational priorities. Digitally integrated learning, accessible and technologically flexible housing, an environmentally sustainable physical plant, and enhanced connectivity to seminary alums, donors, and the general public are among the targets for a better technology infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our vulnerabilities to this commitment, revealing our inadequacies when it comes to online instruction, virtual library resources, operational efficiencies, student recruitment and onboarding, HIPAA compliant counseling services, fundraising and donor stewardship, and campus-wide technology integration.

A notable series of technological improvements have recently begun to take place on our campus. Our library has added new resources for students and faculty. A new learning management system, Canvas, was acquired to support a digital learning environment, and a new student information system, Populi, was acquired to streamline work among various campus offices.

The CPI has renewed our institutional faith, vitality, and functionality. From the initiative, Louisville Seminary developed new mission and vision statements as well as institutional goals and core values. This will help to shape Louisville Seminary’s future and provide clear, concise, and compelling messages that are shared across all facets of the seminary – fundraising, admissions, academics, student engagement, alum relations, board engagement, partner organizations, and the general public. Much has been accomplished, but there is much left for us to do.

A commitment to anti-racism is a critical priority in every facet of Louisville Seminary from the development and delivery of curriculum to the management of human, financial, operational, and other resources. In fact, Louisville Seminary’s commitment to anti-racism is a component of the Quality Enhancement Project submitted to one of the seminary’s accrediting bodies, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students will be able to define and identify racism, critically engaging and practicing anti-racism during their matriculation through Louisville Seminary and then as practitioners in their chosen vocation. Employees (faculty, senior administration, and staff) will do the same in their service to Louisville Seminary.

MILESTONES & NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS (PAST FIVE YEARS)

GRAWEMEYER AWARDS

H. Charles Grawemeyer served with distinction on the boards of trustees at Louisville Seminary and the University of Louisville, created the Grawemeyer Awards in 1984. The annual awards recognize innovative ideas in various academic disciplines. In 1990, the Grawemeyer Award in Religion was established and is presented in partnership between Louisville Seminary and the University of Louisville.

BLACK CHURCH STUDIES PROGRAM

Louisville Seminary established its Black Church Studies Program in 2009 to renew and cultivate partnerships between Louisville Seminary and African American churches and institutions across the region.

RAISE THE ROOF CAMPAIGN

In the spring of 2021, the Raise the Roof campaign for Caldwell Chapel successfully raised over $600,000 to repair and restore our beloved Caldwell Chapel.

LAND SALE TO OLMSTEAD PARK CONSERVANCY

In recognition of the fiscal responsibility to our students, employees, and constituents, the former residence housing was sold as part of the land to Olmsted Park Conservancy. The resources afforded to us by this sale will support the future and vision of Louisville Seminary and will also ensure that God’s creation will be stewarded by those who also have a deep commitment and understanding of LPTS values.

In 2021, Louisville Seminary revised its Mission, Vision, and Values statements, as well as its stated short-term and long-term goals. The purpose for this effort was to better articulate the ethos of Louisville Seminary in the rapidly changing landscape of theological education.

Moving forward, Louisville Seminary will continue to prepare individuals for ministry and service in an increasingly pluralistic world. In doing so, Seminary celebrates the unconditional and everlasting love that God has for all people of every creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, and circumstance. And so the Louisville Seminary Community accepts the invitation, the challenges, and the rewards of emphasizing “Whosoever” as the foundation for engaging the world and building bridges between God and humanity.

Where We Are Going: THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The next President of LPTS will be called to lead a Seminary community that is ready and resolved to understand these changes as both challenge and opportunity, and that is energized to work “toward a world where all can flourish.”

The leadership agenda for the next President will include the following initiatives and activities:

SUSTAINING MISSION, SHAPING VISION, AND ADVANCING “WHOSOEVER”

The LPTS community is deeply committed to the current mission and vision statement, and looks to a new President who will embrace and uphold the mission, and who will work with LPTS leaders to shape, nuance, and then articulate the vision statement in a way that motivates, unifies, addresses the current context, and invites others to join. At the core of this effort is the commitment

to be a “Whosoever” community – one that exemplifies and champions God’s love, Justice, and inclusive welcome. While “Whosoever” is a relatively new concept for LPTS, it has been quickly adopted, widely accepted, and in an important way gives expression to the core DNA of the seminary’s future vision.

COMPLETING THE STRATEGIC PLAN

LPTS is currently at work, building the foundation for a new strategic plan. Three task forces have been formed and they are addressing academic futures, housing and community issues, and staff renewal. The working groups will be reporting to the Board of Trustees in April, and an initial round of actions and directions by the Board are anticipated. The hope is that this initial phase of planning will be complete before the new President arrives, and that it will provide a

For more than 160 years, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) has been educating leaders “to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere.” This enduring mission continues as LPTS looks to the future and confronts the changing landscape of theological education, the role of the Church in society, and new forms of ministry and service.

foundation upon which the new administration to move quickly toward an action agenda and implementation.

SETTING THE ACADEMIC DIRECTION

The academic futures task force is opening a broad and important conversation regarding the future of the Seminary’s academic program. Central questions such as the development of new and/or revision of current academic programs, as well as the offering of off-site, on-line and hybrid programs will be considered. Certificate programs, continuing education opportunities, an accelerated MDiv program and new academic partnerships are other possibilities. The new President will assume the leadership of this project in process and be able to work closely with academic leaders and faculty in shaping and implementing these significant innovations.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL MODEL

While LPTS has a an endowment and has benefited from a stable flow of annual gifts, declining enrollment, a generous scholarship program, and increased operating costs have strained the Seminary’s finances. The “100%” scholarship model for master’s students is currently under review, and revised strategies are being evaluated. The new President will play a key role in developing an over-all financial sustainability strategy – a strategy that coordinates with academic program changes, incorporate new tuition and financial aid models, and considers alternative sources of revenue. Additional gift income is crucial, and it is expected that the President will work closely with the Office of Philanthropy and Stewardship and the Board of Trustees to accelerate and expand the development program.

GROWING ENROLLMENT

Like many other seminaries, LPTS has lived with a steady decline in student enrollment. The Covid years have accelerated these trend lines to the point

where address of the enrollment issue is vital for the Seminary’s future. The academic program discussion (described above), along with new tuition/financial aid models, and a stronger marketing and student recruitment program are all essential as LPTS seeks to stabilize and then grow student enrollment. The President will play a role in shaping this strategy, assuring its effective implementation, participating directly in the recruitment process.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

We have held extensive listening sessions before preparing this report that have evidenced the way in which recent events including Covid, changes in campus student housing, the closing of the dining service, the constraints of finances, and communication failures have affected the vibrancy of our community. LPTS has long been known as a place of, by, and for community – a “Whosoever” place where inclusion, belonging, and support are distinctive markers, and we are committed to building – and re-building – that vibrancy. It is hoped that the new President and administration will work with all of LPTS and Trustees to find new ways to encourage, support, and engage the entire Seminary community; creating an empowering sense that “we are all in this together, and we all matter!

TELLING THE STORY

The President of LPTS is a “public” person whose presence, engagement, and ability to articulate the Seminary’s story, its mission, vision, and whosoever commitment really matters. Students, faculty, and staff are aligned in expressing their desire for, and appreciation of an extroverted President who listens, understands, and supports. Similarly, alumni and donors, students and their families, church and community leaders, as well as potential students need to hear the President’s voice. The President’s daily journey has been described as “a banquet of people” – it is in many ways the greatest opportunity and responsibility of Presidential leadership.

DESIRED PRESIDENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

The President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (the Seminary) will be committed to the Seminary’s Presbyterian and reformed tradition. The next President will be theologically well-grounded, spiritually mature, and genuinely welcoming of all people with a sense of humility in the spirit of “Whosoever”.

It is also expected that the Seminary’s next President will understand the challenges facing 21st century religious life and theological education. Successful experience as an administrative leader, innovative thinker and effective manager are also required (advanced degree preferred).

The next President will be a relational and emotionally intelligent servant leader, capable of building trust relationships, and of inspiring the Seminary community around a unifying vision.

Valued personal characteristics include an uncompromising work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit, a pastoral presence, and the social skills to authentically engage a diverse group of people with integrity and inter-cultural competence. Candidates for the Presidency will be expected to evidence the following attributes:

A MISSION-DRIVEN SERVANT LEADER who embraces the call to continue building a community that believes all people belong to one another (i.e.“ Whosoever”).

AN INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL 21-CENTURY THOUGHT LEADER with a contemporary understanding of the challenges impacting theological education who can position the Seminary for financial stability so it effectively respond to existing and future challenges by being

nimble and discerning unique, creative, bold and Mission-aligned ideas for its future.

AN EXPERIENCED INTER-CULTURALLY COMPETENT ECUMENICAL LEADER AND ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION who continues to fortify a seminary community where all people feel a genuine sense of belonging.

A VISIONARY WHO IS CAPABLE OF ENGAGING and unifying diverse groups of people around a compelling vision for the Seminary’s future by listening well, nurturing trust, and building support for major decisions through, open communication, transparency, and authenticity. This includes joining the faculty in promoting a new and revitalized academic vision designed to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, boost enrollments, diversify delivery options, and create greater financial stability.

AN ACCOMPLISHED EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR with the ability, knowledge, management strengths and organizational skills needed to successfully promote needed change and lead the Seminary toward a brighter tomorrow by upgrading operating systems, dismantling silos, overseeing succession planning, hiring well, and developing talent.

A PROVEN FUNDRAISER capable of partnering with advancement to represent the Seminary in, planning future initiatives, motivating stakeholders, and stimulating a culture of philanthropy within and outside of the Seminary.

A LEADER WITH FINANCIAL ACUMEN and operating experience who understands the fiscal vulnerabilities, tuition dependency, and stewardship needs of an endowed institution, including operating budget management and investment oversight.

A GOAL-FOCUSED AND DATA-INFORMED STRATEGIC THINKER AND PLANNER capable of making difficult Mission-aligned decisions to advance the Seminary’s financial sustainability goals and priorities with courage, collaboration, and conviction after prioritizing competing needs, defining incremental goals and establishing accountability for timely performance.

AN EXCEPTIONAL LISTENER AND COMMUNICATOR with outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills capable of effectively telling the Seminary’s story, articulating its distinct Mission, and sharing its distinctive strengths both on campus and with the Seminary’s multiple constituencies.

A LEADER COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS AND FORMATION who genuinely enjoy campus life, values teaching and learning (i.e., residential, digital, professional, practice-based, etc.) in all modalities and is able to meet students where they are as they prepare for service to the Church and society.

A COLLABORATIVE LEADER who understands and appreciates the work of all stakeholders, faculty, staff, students, and trustees, and is capable of promoting an environment of effective shared governance at the Seminary.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

To receive full consideration, application materials should be submitted not later than April 15, 2023 Application materials must include:

A letter of interest, which responds directly to the leadership priorities and qualifications outlined in this Presidential Search Profile; A current curriculum vitae; and

The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references (please indicate your relationship with each). No references will be contacted without prior permission granted by the candidate.

Louisville Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability.

LPTS SEARCH COMMITTEE

Application materials should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF) to: LPTSPresident@agbsearch.com

The Presidential Search is being assisted by AGB Search. Please direct nominations and inquiries to:

Loren Anderson, Ph.D.

Senior Executive Search Consultant

AGB Search

Mobile (253) 223-3566 loren.anderson@agbsearch.com

Shannon McCambridge, J.D. LL.M

Senior Executive Search Consultant

AGB Search

Mobile (206) 310-7560 shannon.mccambridge@agbsearch.com

Members of the Committee (from top left): Lisa Allgood, Mary Gene Boteler (Chair), Elizabeth Clay, Lesley Ann Earles, Michael Gilligan, Isaac Njuguna, Mika Rangel, Tim Stoepker, Kassandra Turpin, Katina Whitlock, Scott Williamson