Where We Are Going: THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

For nearly 170 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.

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 exempliies 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 foundation upon which the new administration can 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

LPTS has benefited from the annual flow of income from its endowment and generous charitable donations and grants. However, 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 overall financial sustainability strategy – a strategy that coordinates with academic program changes, incorporates 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, alums 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 trusted 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 responds 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 Philanthropy & Stewardship 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 enjoys 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 no 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