150
Celebrating
years
of United Theological Seminary
Vision
Spirit-led leaders, Christ-like Church, transformed world
Mission
United Theological Seminary prepares faithful and fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Values and Beliefs
We are committed to the historic faith in Jesus Christ passed down to us through scripture, sacraments, creeds and the fathers and mothers of the Church; scriptural holiness for personal transformation and the transformation of the world; and church renewal through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Every effort has been made to prepare this publication with accuracy to acknowledge and celebrate United’s past and present. We ask for grace and forgiveness for any errors or omissions.
Welcome from the President Friends: It is a joy to welcome you to this 150th Anniversary and Burn the Mortgage Celebration for United Theological Seminary. The United Theological Seminary of today traces its history to the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which in 1870 authorized its Board of Education to launch a biblical institute in Dayton, Ohio. Under the leadership of board chair Rev. Milton Wright, father of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, the denomination raised the $100,000 needed to establish a school for the preparation of Christian leaders. On October 11, 1871, Union Biblical Seminary began with 11 students and two full-time professors at the Home Street United Brethren in Christ Church on Summit Street in Dayton, Ohio. The seminary’s name was changed to Bonebrake Theological Seminary in 1909, after a gift of 3,840 acres of Kansas farmland was presented by John and Mary Bonebrake in honor of their six relatives who served as United Brethren in Christ pastors. In 1946, the United Brethren in Christ Church and the Evangelical Church united to form the Evangelical United Brethren denomination. Eight years later, in 1954, the Evangelical School of Theology in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Bonebrake Theological Seminary merged to form the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church to form the United Methodist Church, and United Theological Seminary became one of the 13 official seminaries of the United Methodist Church. Consequently: For 38 years we were known as Union Biblical Seminary; for 45 years we were known as Bonebrake Theological Seminary; and for the past 67 years we have been known as United Theological Seminary. Regardless of our name, over the past 150 years God has used this seminary in Dayton, Ohio, to prepare over 10,000 Christian pastors and Church leaders whom God has used to make hundreds of thousands of new disciples of Jesus Christ in the United States and around the world. As we look back on this rich history, we give thanks and praise for all God has done among us in the past and look forward with excitement and joy for what God will do among us in the future: For all that has been, Thanks! For all that will be, Yes!
Dr. Kent Millard President, United Theological Seminary
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A LOOK BACK
Home Street United Brethren Church in Dayton, Ohio, was the first home of Union Biblical Seminary from 1871 to 1879. The photo above shows the church building after it was remodeled in 1881.
EUB Heritage In his address at the opening exercises of Union Biblical Seminary in 1871, senior professor Reverend Lewis Davis emphasized the role of vital prayer in birthing the school. “Many of our members have long prayed to see this day, and lo, it is here!” he rejoiced. The General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ placed the seminary directly under its control, thus assuring a mutually beneficial, close connection between the church and seminary. In addition to its rigorous academic program, the school’s 1946 Bulletin characterized the seminary as a “spiritual power-house” to which pastors and other church leaders sent requests for intercessory prayer by faculty and students. United Theological Seminary was the product of merger in 1954 of this academic, “spiritual power-house” in Dayton, Ohio, and the Evangelical School of Theology in Reading, Pennsylvania. The consolidation was celebrated as a “movement born of God” following the 1946 merger of the Evangelical Association and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. To this day, the seminary strives to honor and exemplify the heritage of piety handed down from its faithful, German-American Pietist founders. This heritage is preserved and showcased in the Center for Evangelical United Brethren Heritage housed on the campus of United.
Leaders of the Last 75 Years|Presidents At the Seminary’s 75th anniversary, Dr. Walter Roberts led a burning of the mortgage on United’s former campus on Harvard Boulevard in Dayton, Ohio.
Walter N. Roberts 1938-1965
Daryl Ward 1993-1994
G. Edwin Zeiders, Jr. 1999-2007
John R. Knecht 1965-1985
Leonard I. Sweet 1985-1993
Emerson Colaw 1995-1996
Michael Nickerson 1996-1999
Wendy J. Deichmann 2007-2015
M. Kent Millard 2016-Present
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Leaders of the Last 75 Years|Deans Rev. Dr. Newell J. Wert was United’s longest-serving academic dean. At the time of his retirement in 1992, he had been in service to the Church for 30 years through his work at United, with 29 of those years as Dean of the Faculty. His commitment to United went back to his time as a student of Evangelical School of Theology, a precursor of United Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1950 with a Master of Divinity and was honored as United’s 1992 Distinguished Alumnus.
Dr. Kendall K. McCabe first worked with United as Professor of Homiletics and Worship. He later served as Academic Dean from 1999-2005. In total, he worked with United for 30 years. He was known for his incredible preaching skills. United continues to honor him with their Kendall K. McCabe Award in Preaching.
Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann served as Academic Dean and Vice President from 2005 to 2007 and as United’s eighth (first female) president from 2007 to 2015. A life-long educator, she introduced to the curriculum new initiatives in church renewal and expanded United’s reach to the underserved through online and international education. Following eight years of presidency, she has returned to her passion for research, writing and classroom teaching in both traditional and virtual formats.
Dr. Richard L. Eslinger was Professor of Worship and Homiletics for fourteen years and served as Academic Dean from 2008 to 2011. Under his leadership, the seminary embraced online theological education, revising the master’s curriculum to become one of the first seminaries with accessible online courses. In 2021, United presented Dr. Eslinger with the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his outstanding achievements in homiletics, teaching and ministry.
Since 2011, United’s current Academic Dean Dr. David Watson has overseen the implementation of new master’s degrees, the development of Spanish-language programs at the master’s and non-degree levels, and early advancements in online theological education. Such programs have enabled students from a variety of contexts to connect with academic resources in support of their unique callings.
Leaders of the Last 75 Years|Board Chairs Bishop A.R. Clippinger 1942-1950
Bishop Fred L. Dennis 1951-1959
Bishop J. Gordon Howard 1959-1973
William K. Messmer 1978-1980
Merrell D. Geible 1980-1984
Paul V. Church 1973-1978
Horace E. Smith 1984-1990
Craig Fulmer 2000-2004
Richard A. Zimmerman 1990-1998
David G. Ruffer 1998-2000
Marjorie Putman 2004-2009
Bishop George W. Bashore 2011-2014
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Stanley Eichenauer 2009-2011
James S. Tharp 2014-Present
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United Through the Years 1869 | Motion at General Conference, Church of the United Brethren in Christ, to Found a Seminary
Upon a motion by Rev. Milton Wright, the General Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ ordered the founding of a theological seminary to be supported by the whole church. Milton Wright, later elected bishop, served as first chairman of the executive committee of the seminary. Under his leadership the school was located in Dayton and at his proposal it received its first name, Union Biblical Seminary.
1871 | Union Biblical Seminary Opened in Dayton, OH
Classes were first held at Union Biblical Seminary on October 11, 1871, in borrowed rooms at Home Street United Brethren in Christ Church in Dayton, Ohio. The young seminary had two full-time professors, the Rev. Lewis Davis, D.D. and the Rev. George A. Funkhouser, eleven students, and a minuscule library. The seminary was incorporated in the State of Ohio on November 12, 1873. Pictured: Rev. George A. Funkhouser
1883 | First Woman Graduated from UBS in the English Curriculum
In 1883, Esther Balmer Sage was the first woman to graduate from Union Biblical Seminary in the English curriculum.
1889 | Ordaining Women Approved In 1889 the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church approved ordaining women, and Ella Niswonger, who graduated from UBS in 1887, was the first woman to be ordained the same year.
1954 | United Theological Seminary is formed United Theological Seminary was created through the merger of Bonebrake Theological Seminary and Evangelical School of Theology of Reading, PA. Pictured: Five faculty members of the newly formed seminary: Dr. Irvin W. Batdorf, Prof. of New Testament Literature; Dr. R.W. Albright, Prof. of Church History and Missions; Dr. J. Arthur Heck, Prof. of Systematic Theology; Dr. George W. Frey, Jr., Prof. of Old Testament History and Literature; Dr. Harry A. DeWire, Cowden Prof. of Christian Education and Psychology.
1956 | Harriet L. Miller becomes first woman on faculty
In 1956 United brought in Harriet Miller as the Col. Robert Cowden Professor of Christian Education. Pictured:1963 MRE Graduates, Kay Lochinger and Barbara Long with Prof. Harriet Miller.
1879 | First Seminary Building for Union Biblical Seminary
1874 | First Class Graduated from UBS; First Woman Accepted
The first graduating class from UBS was in 1874. Union Biblical Seminary’s first woman student, Mrs. C.B. Beatty, was accepted the same year.
1909 | Union Biblical
Union Biblical Seminary’s first building was a three-story brick structure set on five acres of land at First Street and Euclid Avenue in West Dayton. The building contained a chapel, a library room, an office, four recitation rooms, and sixteen furnished dormitory rooms. It cost $12,000 to build and furnish.
Seminary Changes Name to Bonebrake Theological Seminary
1923 | Bonebrake Seminary
In 1909 Union Biblical Seminary changed its name to Bonebrake Theological Seminary after a gift from John and Mary Bonebrake of over $86,000 in land. It was the largest single gift the seminary had received at the time. The name honored the six great uncles of John Bonebrake who had been pioneer United Brethren preachers.
On April 1, 1911, Bonebrake Theological Seminary reserved thirty-five acres for a new campus, located a mile and a half north of the seminary’s original building. The first three seminary buildings were completed and occupied by October 1923.
Moves to New Campus in Upper Dayton View
1960 | Seminary
begins work on Breyfogel Chapel Under the leadership of President Walter Roberts, the seminary broke ground on Breyfogel Chapel.
1968 | The United Methodist Church Formed With the union of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church in 1968, United Theological Seminary became one of thirteen theological schools of The United Methodist Church. Pictured: EUB Bishop Reuben H. Mueller (left) and Methodist Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke, acknowledge the merger of the two denominations with a handshake.
1985 | Introduction of the Mentor-Based Doctor of Ministry Program
Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor collaborated with President Leonard Sweet and Mary Olson, Dean of Doctoral Studies, to develop a mentor-based Doctor of Ministry program, which continues as the foundation of the current DMin program. Pictured above: Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. Pictured below: The first cohort of DMin students, known as the Proctor Fellows, entered the program in 1987 and graduated in 1990.
1979 | Center for Evangelical
United Brethren Heritage Established The Center for Evangelical United Brethren Heritage was established in October 1979, and Rev. Elmer J. O’Brien was appointed Director of the Center to administer its program and activities. Pictured: Librarian Elmer O’Brien operates a computer terminal in United’s library.
2015 | Virtual Classroom
Enhances Distance Education Having been on the leading edge of online theological education since 2009, United introduced its first virtual classroom in 2015, allowing for more effective distance learning. Since 2018, the seminary has introduced four more virtual spaces and continues to expand.
2016 | Zimmerman Chapel Provides Permanent Worship Space
On October 11, 2016, the seminary dedicated the Richard A. and Nancy Zimmerman chapel in honor of the Hershey, Pennsylvania, couple, who have supported the work of United for more than 30 years. The CEO of Hershey Foods, Mr. Zimmerman was a member of United’s Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving as chair of the Board for eight of those years.
2017 | Naming of the James
Campus After more than a decade at the Trotwood location, the seminary named its facilities the Vicki and Rick James Campus in appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Rick and Vicki James of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Jameses have invested significantly in student scholarships and matched every gift to the Burn the Mortgage Campaign. Pictured: Students, faculty and staff gather on May 20, 2017, to celebrate the newly named campus.
2005 | United Theological Seminary
Moves to New Campus in Trotwood, Ohio On February 18, 2005, President G. Edwin Zeiders, Jr., signed the documents that closed the purchase of a new 80-acre campus in Trotwood, Ohio. Pictured: President Edwin Zeiders helps move into the new facilities.
2008 | Inauguration of Wendy J. Deichmann After being named President in 2007, Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann was inaugurated in 2008 as United’s first female president. Previously, she served as Academic Dean 2005-2007. Under her leadership, the seminary adopted as a prayer, a program and a tagline: Spirit Led, Renewing the Church!
2020 | Houses of Study
Offer More Opportunities for Specialization
2018 | First African American
Woman Executive In August 2018, Dr. Bridget Weatherspoon was named Vice President for Enrollment, becoming the first African American woman to serve as vice president at the seminary. Pictured: Dr. Harold Hudson,
Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies and former VP for Enrollment (left) and President Kent Millard (right) congratulate Dr. Weatherspoon.
In September 2020, the Seminary introduced the Fresh Expressions House of Studies, the first of several such houses to equip students at doctoral, masters, or non-degree levels with specialized training for ministry.
2021 | Bishop Bruce Ough
Innovation Center Established In February 2021, the Seminary introduced the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center. Building on the legacy of UMC Bishop Bruce Ough, the Innovation Center seeks to equip the local church for a new season of vitality. Pictured above: Bishop Bruce Ough. Pictured below: Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, inaugural director of the center, and President Kent Millard
UNITED TODAY
Current Leaders|Board of Trustees Rev. Michael Beck Wildwood, FL
Rev. David Bell First Vice Chair Brighton, MI
Rev. Marla Elifritz Brown, ’86 Second Vice Chair Dayton, OH
Rev. Bob Coleman, ’72 Franklin, IN
Mr. Phillip Connolly Marysville, OH
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis, ’05 Memphis, TN
Rev. Warren “Chip” Freed, Jr. Pepperpike, OH
Dr. Jeff Greenway Reynoldsburg, OH
Dr. Marion Hayes ’15 ’18 New York, NY
Dr. James Holsinger Jr. Lexington, KY
Dr. Tyron Inbody ’65 Dayton, OH
Mrs. Kirsten King Memphis, TN
Dr. Thomas Lasley II Centerville, OH
Mr. Scott Laubie Englewood, OH
Rev. Dr. Brian Law Springboro, OH
Sister Joyce Lehman, CPPS, Dayton, OH
Bishop Michael Lowry Fort Worth, TX
Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Lee Mack Jr., ’97 Winston-Salem, NC
Elder Dr. Dong S. Moon Centerville, OH
Rev. Martin Nicholas Sugar Land, TX
Rev. Dr. Cindy Reynolds Indianapolis, IN
Rev. Dr. Vance Ross ’15 Atlanta, GA
Rev. Dr. Ted Sauter ’72 Marietta, GA
Rev. Harvey Smith ’58 Centerville, OH
Dr. Cinda Swan ’13 Campbellsville, KY
Mr. James Tharp Chair Cincinnati, OH
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer Rev. Dr. Rudy Rasmus, Worthington, OH ’19 Houston, TX
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott ’97 Charlotte, NC
Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter ’90 Cincinnati, OH
Rev. Andrew Thompson Springdale, AR
Mrs. Sarah Walters-Maher Englewood, OH
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Current Leaders|Corporate Officers Kent Millard President
Dr. Kent Millard has served as President of United Theological Seminary since 2016. Before joining United’s leadership, Dr. Millard served 18 years as Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is a 6,500-member congregation. A retired elder in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Millard is the author of three books on church renewal, leadership and stewardship.
David Watson
Senior Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Watson is an ordained elder in the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. Before beginning his academic career he served in the local church and a United Methodist campus ministry. He currently serves on the University Senate of The UMC. His most recent book is Scripture and the Life of God: Why the Bible Matters Today More than Ever (Seedbed, 2017). Dr. Watson is the lead editor of Firebrand Magazine and co-host of “Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast.”
Steven Swallow
Vice President for Finance and Administration Steve Swallow has worked as a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 40 years since graduating from Bowling Green State University. United’s mission fuels Steve’s passion to work with not-for-profit entities. Outside of United, Steve and his wife follow God’s call on their lives to serve with an international marriage ministry.
Callie Picardo
Vice President for Development Callie Picardo has a passion for prayer, discipleship and generosity. A business major from Rhodes College (Memphis, TN), Callie has spent her career working in finance and charitable giving. She loves building relationships with donors of the seminary, hearing their stories and inviting them into God’s work at United. Her dream is to see God’s children grow in their faith through managing money God’s way and becoming financially free to follow God’s call wherever led.
Bridget Weatherspoon Vice President for Enrollment
Dr. Bridget Weatherspoon is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church serving bi-vocationally as the first African American Woman Vice President for Enrollment at United Theological Seminary and the Pastor of Dixon United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio. A revival speaker, workshop leader, and fierce woman of God, she finds her greatest accomplishment to be her children and granddaughter. As the prophet Zechariah said, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”
Current Leaders|Executive Staff
Pete Bellini Director of Non-Degree Programs
Madeline Henners Director of Contextual Ministries
Vivian Johnson Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Sue Nilson Kibbey Director of the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center
Scott Kisker Associate Dean for Masters Programs
Tesia Mallory Dean of the Chapel
Karen Payne Chief Marketing and Accreditation Officer
Rosario Picardo Director of Houses of Study
J. Elvin Sadler Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies
Heather Shellabarger Director of Distance Learning
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Current Leaders|Faculty
Pete Bellini Professor of Evangelization in the Heisel Chair
Wendy Deichmann Professor of History and Theology
Tom Dozeman Professor of Old Testament
Lisa Hess Professor of Practical Theology and Contextual Ministries
Justus Hunter Assistant Professor of Church History
Vivian Johnson Professor of Old Testament; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Scott Kisker Professor of the History of Christianity; Associate Dean for Masters Programs
Andrew Park Professor of Theology and Ethics
Anthony Le Donne Professor of New Testament
Joni Sancken Associate Professor of Homiletics
Jerome Stevenson Assistant Professor in the Practice of Pastoral Care and Counseling
David Watson Professor of New Testament; Academic Dean
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Current Leaders|Doctor of Ministry Mentors
J. Elvin Sadler Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies
Deanna L. York Administrative Coordinator for Doctoral Studies
Duane Anders Missional Leadership: Cohort for Mavericks
Michael Beck Fresh Expressions and Church Renewal
Frank Billman Supernatural Ministry
Brenda Braam Prophetic Preaching and Praxis
Dexter Cannon Innovative Leadership: Building Leaders and Congregations for Effective Change
Bishop Young Jin Cho Bishop Cho Scholars: Cross-Cultural Ministry & Spiritual Leadership
Leroy Cothran The Gardner C. Taylor Scholars: Prophetic Leadership – Social Justice and Political Action
Kenneth Cummings Prophetic Preaching and Praxis
Mark DeYmaz Disruptive Church Leadership
Dr. Ian Dunn Randy Clark Scholars: Presenting the Gospel as Jesus Intended — In Love, Authority and Signs and Wonders
D. Anthony Everett Prophetic Activism
Lee E. Fields Jr Preaching and Leadership Development for the 21st Century
Thomas L. Francis Pastoral Care and Counseling
Charles E. Goodman Engaging and Growing Congregations through Creative Pastoral Preaching and Leadership Models
J. Randall Grimes The Gardner C. Taylor Scholars: Prophetic Leadership – Social Justice and Political Action
Brian Law Open the Floodgates: Mobilize a Spiritual Movement
Herbert Miller II Effective Leadership for Creative Ministry in the Post-Modern Church
Vance P. Ross Rooted: Church Planting and Church Revitalization in Our Diverse World
Moses Taiwo Chaplaincy for All Ministries
C. Anthony Hunt Enacting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community
Charles Jackson Justus H. Hunter Living the Historic Faith: Innovative Leadership: Building Leaders and Congregations Christian Wisdom for for Effective Change Today’s Church
Sir Walter Mack Willie E. Marshall Effective Leadership for Leadership Development and Creative Ministry in the Spiritual Transformation for Post-Modern Church Healing and Reconciliation
HiRho Park Bishop Cho Scholars: Cross-Cultural Ministry & Spiritual Leadership
Phillip L. Pointer Sr. Engaging and Growing Congregations through Creative Pastoral Preaching and Leadership Models
Lillian Smith Robert Sawvelle Rooted: Church Planting Randy Clark Scholars: Presenting the Gospel as and Church Revitalization in Our Diverse World Jesus Intended — In Love, Authority and Signs and Wonders
Robert C. Walker Prophetic Preaching and Praxis
David Watson Living the Historic Faith: Christian Wisdom for Today’s Church
Celebrating United
Jonathan McReynolds Pastoral Care and Counseling
Rudy Rasmus Rooted: Church Planting and Church Revitalization in Our Diverse World
Dr. Carl J. Solomon Harold Hudson Scholars: Building Bridges for Church and Community Wholeness
Lisa Weah Harold Hudson Scholars: Building Bridges for Church and Community Wholeness
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Current Leaders|Administrative Staff
Marc Bostwick Instructional Technology Administrator
Lora Bowyer Admissions Associate
Charles Bruno-Flores Student Billing Coordinator
Rebekah Clapp Coordinator for the Center for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and Hispanic Christian Academy
Chad Clark Director of Student Success
Ken Cochrane Director of the Library
Robbie Collins Executive Assistant to the Academic Dean; Academic Coordinator
Mark Condy O’Brien Library Collection Manager
Lauren Fortener Graphic Artist
Rachel Hurley Associate Director of Communications
Jimmy Mallory Writing Center Associate
Justin Shamell Associate Director of Recruiting
Tamarah Shepard Receptionist
Yoon Sun Shin Director for International Students
Elaine Snyder Academic Affairs Coordinator
Marcia Byrd Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships; Lilly Grant Administrator
Laura Weber Executive Assistant to the President; Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Deanna York Administrative Coordinator for Doctoral Studies
Shirlita Carson Accounting Manager and Student Billing Administrator
Karen Clark Registrar
Laura Discher Coordinator of the Course of Study Hybrid Program
Summer Lee Social Media and Digital Specialist
Christian Messer Chief Information Officer
Jodi Rose Accounts Payable and Payroll Administrator
Adam Wirrig Director, Master of Theological Studies Degree Program
Mandy Wood Development Accountant
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Featured Donors of the New Millenium United is celebrating 150 years today thanks to the many donors, alumni/ae, faculty, and staff who have given to prepare faithful and fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The following have given more than $50,000 since 2000. $250,000+
Mr. Arthur C. Core* and Mrs. Marion S. Core*
Mr. Rick L. James and Mrs. Vicki L. James
Mr. Richard A. Zimmerman* and Mrs. Nancy C. Zimmerman
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Harvey*
Dr. H. Allan Feller* and Mrs. Mary Kay Feller
Mr. L. Craig Fulmer* and Mrs. Constance Fulmer
Mr. Kenneth V. Hatt*
Mr. James R. Heinrich and Mrs. Janice E. Heinrich ’00
Drs. James and Barbara Holsinger
Mr. Leslie C. Mapp* and Mrs. Lillian Mapp
Rev. Harvey B. Smith, ‘58 and Mrs. Carolyn C. Smith*
Ms. Anna Claire Mauerhan*
Dr. Gary L. Olin, ‘67 and Rev. Saranne Nelson-Olin, ‘78
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, ‘67
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Tharp
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence W. Winch*
Dr. William West and Mrs. Carole W. West
Mr. Leon A. Whitney II* and Mrs. Betsy Whitney
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*Deceased
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Featured Donors
(continued)
$100,000 - $249,000
$50,000 - $99,9999
Mrs. Mary Love Beane*
Bishop George, '58, '76 and Carolyn Bashore
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Berry Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James Bock
Mr. and Mrs. David G. Daly
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowen
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty and Rev. Robert M. Daugherty*
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Burton
Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann and Mr. Neal E. Klopping
Mr. Charles J. Cappleman
Mr. Allen R. Fasnacht
Mr. Kevin Church and Ms. Dorinda M. Church
Rev. Francis E. Fehlman*
Cora Foundation, Inc.
Mr. William A. Gifford* and Mrs. Carolyn Gifford
Rev. H. Stanley Eichenauer, '60
Rev. J. Paul Jones*
Mr. Max Fuller and Mrs. Natalie Fuller*
Mr. Howard F. Kidder*
Ms. Sharon K. Fyte*, '97
Dr. and Mrs. Tom Kisker
Ms. Mary Gifford
Dr. and Mrs. John R. Knecht*, '45
Dr. Donald K. Gorrell* and Mrs. Lois Gorrell*
Leipsic UMC
Mrs. Anne Greene
Dr. and Mrs. Kent Millard
Mrs. Katherine B. Hollingsworth and Mr. Frank W. Hollingsworth
Dr. James D. Nelson* Rev. Elmer J. O'Brien* and Betty A. O'Brien Rev. Joe O. Penrod* and Mrs. Phyllis A. Penrod* Mr. and Mrs. Rich and Carol Pohl Sisters of the Precious Blood Mr. Frederick C. Smith* and Mrs. Pfeife Smith* Mr. Everett F. Telljohann* Mr. and Mrs. Ron Thie Mr. Donald E. Warner* and Mrs. Carol M. Warner* Mr. and Mrs. Osbourne K. Webster* Rev. Dr. Newell J. Wert*, '50 and Mrs. Donna J. Wert* Mr. Dean I. Wimer* Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel*, '52 Rev. Dr. Ed Zeiders, '73 and Mrs. Joan Zeiders*
Ms. Lisa Hunt and Mr. Lynn Hunt Hyde Park Community UMC Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Krueger* Ivan, '59 and Gloria Kurtz Dr. Kendall K. McCabe* Rev. and Mrs. W. Martin Nicholas Dr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Park Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Pohly* Precious Blood Catholic Church Dr. Mary D. Pryor Ms. Vera Blinn Reber Mr. and Mrs. James C. Reber Joseph and Louise Rhodenbaugh Rev. Ronald P. Ricard*, '58 and Mrs. Marvalene P. Ricard Ms. Myung Soon Roh Mr. Richard L. Schaefer and Rev. Katharine Schaefer, '91 Sugar Land First United Methodist Church The North Naples UMC Dr. Valdrie N. Walker, '12 Mr. Dennis Werkmeister Mr. George Wooten
*Deceased
Thank you to everyone who gave toward this breakthrough moment in the life of United by helping burn the mortgage! In 2005, United bought and moved to the former Jewish Community Center on Denlinger Road. The original purchase price and year 1 improvements cost the school $5.5 million. This campus has been significantly more cost-effective to maintain, but when the campaign began in November 2016, a mortgage of $3.97 million remained. It was costing the seminary $400,000 per year in principal and interest payments that could be invested in scholarships. By paying off the mortgage, future students will graduate with less debt and more freedom to follow the Lord’s call. We are so grateful for the leadership of campaign co-chairs Mr. and Mrs. Rick and Vicki James who encouraged others through their generous matching challenges and lead gifts. Their heart for the Lord and passion for preparing future leaders for the Church has been contagious throughout. It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate United’s 150th anniversary with the burning of the mortgage, fully paid thanks to the generosity of United’s alumni/ae and friends. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
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Burn the Mortgage Donors List
The following list consists of donors who gave gifts to United Theological Seminary’s Burn the Mortgage campaign from November 2016 to September 19, 2021. Thank you!
$1,000,000+
Dr. Gary L. Olin, ’67 and Rev. Saranne Nelson-Olin, ’78
Mrs. Vicki L. James and Mr. Rick L. James
Mrs. Phyllis A. Penrod*
$250,000-$999,999
Reynoldsburg UMC
Drs. James and Barbara Holsinger Dr. William West and Mrs. Carole W. West
$100,000-$249,999 Mrs. Mary Kay Feller Rev. Harvey B. Smith, ’58 Mrs. Carol M. Warner* Mrs. Nancy C. Zimmerman
$50,000-$99,999 Dr. and Mrs. Kent Millard
David and Doris* Ponitz Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, ’67 Sugar Land First United Methodist Church Mr. Dick Summe Mr. and Mrs. Ron Thie
$5,000 - $9,999
Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim (Manna Methodist Church, South Korea) Rev. Warren Kirk, ’06 and Helen Kirk Elder Dr. and Mrs. Dong S. Moon Betty A. O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. James S. Tharp The Heinrich Family Foundation
$10,000-$24,999 Rev. Marla Elifritz Brown, ’86 and Len Brown Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Connolly Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Greenway Dr. Marion Hayes, ’18 Scott and Roberta Kisker Ivan, ’59 and Gloria Kurtz Rev. and Mrs. W. Martin Nicholas
Honorable and Mrs. William A. Clark Rev. Bob Coleman, ’72 Joseph, ’72 and Patricia Easley
Rev. Donald G. Haulman, ’64
Rev. and Mrs. Philip D. Edwards, ’64 Allen R. Fasnacht
Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey Steve and Laurel McCullough
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty
Dr. Seok Jae Jeon, ’04 and Mrs. Yoon Sun Shin, ’20
Rev. James F. Bray, ’64
Rev. James D. Corbett*, ’66 and Mrs. Shirley D. Corbett
Rev. and Mrs. William R. Patterson, ’75
The Heinrich Family Foundation
James and Phyllis Barnett
Coolidge Wall
Rev. Ron, ’72 and Sue Mowry
Mrs. Constance Fulmer
$1,000-$2,499
Rev. and Mrs. David S. Bell
$25,000-$49,999 Max Fuller
Rich and Carol Pohl Rev. Dr. Cindy Reynolds, ’78 Rev. Genett E. Timlin, ’05 Rev. Ralph Earl Watkins, ’78 Mrs. Betsy Whitney Rev. and Mrs. Paul F. Zieber, ’65
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Park
Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo, ’14 and Mrs. Callie Picardo Rev. and Mrs. Gregory D. Stover, ’77 The United Alumni/ae Association Rev. William M. Thompson, ’72 and Dr. Leta Thompson Dr. and Mrs. Lance D. Watson, ’06 Rev. Dr. Ed Zeiders, ’73
$2,500-$4,999 Bishop George, ’58, ’76 and Carolyn Bashore Dr. Leroy Cothran, ’99, ’02 Richard, ’70 and Gloria Gongwer William E. Hensley, ’56 Rev. Dr. Charles, ’84 and Della Keyworth Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Lasley Rev. Jerome M. and Pamela A. Lipka Bishop Michael and Jolynn Lowry Mrs. Carol Ann Miller Rev. Kristina J. Peterson, ’74
Rev. John L. Ferris, ’69 Rev. Ellen Lilly File, ’12 Rev. Dr. Arlys A. Mindt-Fogt, ’96, ’07 Rev. Floyd Fought Dr. L. Pamela Greene, ’13 Jack, ’70 and Carolyn Hartman Lisa Magdalena Hess and Brian D. Maguire Rev. and Mrs. Charles T. Hindman, ’73 Dr. Ronald L., ’70 and Lois E. Hines Rev. Dr. Myong Sue Lee Jin, ’10, ’13 Rev. Ehrhardt, ’62 and Cheryl Lang Thang Le, ’16 and Mary Huynh, ’16 Rev.* and Mrs. Theodore C. Mefferd, ’69 Rev. William J. Miller, ’62 M. Joseph Miller, ’67 Arthur, ’64 and Evelyn Norris Luther and Marion Oconer Terrell and Carol Rainbolt Philip and Jonell Roberts Rev. Dean V. Roush, ’60 Saint Paul Baptist Church Rev. Katharine, ’91 and Mr. Richard Schaefer Mrs. Louise Schultz
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott, ’97
Mr. Steve Smith and Dr. Kellye Smith
Rev. and Mrs. John R. Shafer, ’50
Mrs. Frances Sperry
Dr. James K. Wagner, ’62, ’78
Ms. Lisa D. Taylor, ’19
Rev. Robert L. Warner, ’86
Rev. Brian, ’02 and Mrs. Donna Thie
Dr. Allen Paul Weaver Jr., ’94
Rev. Dr. Norman E. Thomas
Howard, ’63 and Ann Weisz
Rev. and Mrs. Andrew C. Thompson
Milton T. Shatto, ’71
Rev. Dr. Myron K. Williams, ’56
Ms. Barbara Timmons and Mr. F. Leon Herron
Judith Ann Sigmund, M.D., ’03 Rev. Floyd S. Sollenberger Jr., ’70
Mrs. Anne W. Weaver
Rev. Thomas S. Stone* ’57 and Mrs. Jean M. Stone
Peter and Emily Yost
$500-$999 Rev. Ronald J. Beistline, ’68 Rev. Mary B. Blake, ’78 David, ’64 and Velma Bradley Rt. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. C. Franklin Brookhart Jr., ’84 Rev. Lowell H. Brown, ’55 Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Donald E. Bryant, ’07 Rev. Dr. Robert D. Carlyon Rev. Dr. Wayne, ’82, ’92 and Patricia Clark Rev. Dr. R. Frederick Crider, ’67 Rev. A. James Decker, ’67 Rev. Marylyn H. Doyle, ’86, ’91, ’97 Drs. Richard and Elise, ’10 Eslinger Rev. Phillip S. Gehm, ’57 Grace United Methodist Church Ms. Pat Hartranft Mr. F. Leon Herron and Ms. Barbara Timmons Rev. Paul C. Kauffman, ’75 Mr. Jeffrey Kell Revs. Jim, ’93 and Karol, ’93 Lewis Mervyn L. Matteson, ’64 Dr. Eugene W. Matthews, ’91 Diana, ’18 and Scott McHenry Dr. Christine L. McHenry, ’98 Rev. and Mrs. R. Craig Miller, ’76 David S. Morey Jr., ’88 Nick and Darlene Mott Rev. Marjorie Hadley Munger, ’91 Rev. Dr. Donna Osterhout, ’79 Mrs. Bethyl A. Pearson Rev. Marilyn Becker Porcino, ’07 Rev. Luvisminda V. Reitman, ’69 Richfield UMC Sisters of the Precious Blood
Rev. and Mrs. George M. Weaver Jr., ’66 Rev. O. Gene Wells, ’61
Rev. John L. Rauch*, ’54 and Mrs. Joanne Rauch Rev. Francis L. Reichart Dr. Carl B. Rife, ’66 Rev. Dr. Harley E. Roston, ’94
Thomas Weber, ’74 Dr. Josephine Whitely-Fields
$250-$499
$100-$249
Rev. Thomas Adams, ’59
Rev. Dr. Ida Andrews, ’17
Dr. J. Victor Bean and Rev. Kathleen Bean, ’99 Dr. Peter J. and Mariuccia Bellini Rev. and Mrs. Kent G. Biller Jr., ’77 Rev. Dr. Galen A. Black, ’71, ’91 Dr. Sarah Blair Rev. Phyllis M. Bowers and Rev. Richard Bowers Rev. Mollie Gordon Brown, ’15 John R. Campbell, ’63 Rev. Linda Brown Chambers, ’77 Rev. Charles J. Chipman, ’57 Mr. Mark Condy, ’03 Rev. Dr. F. Gladwin Connell, ’91
Rev. Dr. Stephan, ’81 and Ms. Gail Angel Rev. Paul F. Bailey, ’67 Judith K. Dunlap Barr, ’91 Rev. George W. Barto III, ’65 Ms. Patricia Bell Mrs. Doris E. Bergman Chaplain and Mrs. Larry W. Biederman, ’77 Boyd and Evelyn Blumer Ms. Lora Bowyer Rev. David, ’65 and Mrs. Lillian Brice Edw. R. Bridgeman, CLM
William J. and Joan A. Cooper
Chaplain (COL) and Mrs. W. Kermit Brock, ’59
Judy Cramer, ’09
Rev. Percy D. Brown, ’54
Rev. Daniel Culbertson, ’83, ’84
Rev. Dr. Sandra Bushnell, ’18
Laura Dean Discher
Rev. Mary Ann Bushong, ’92
Dr. Laurence L. Falk, ’58
Brent and Julie Byerly
Rev. Dr. Lois B. Fortson Kirk, ’89, ’97
Guy, ’68 and Nancy Camp
Erin and Dan (’11, ’16) Gildner
Rev. Dr. Larry D. Carl, ’70
Linda Haller
Rev. Billy Ray Carpenter, ’88
Rev. & Mrs. Richard K. Hoover, ’64
Rev. David W. Chivington, ’82
Rev. Thomas Jacobs, ’71
Rev. Michael W. Christian, ’66
Janice Kronour
Ralph Ciampa, ’66
Rev. and Mrs. Charles W. Lightner, ’61
Rev. Frank Ciampa, ’63
Rev. T. Irene Moore, ’86
Rev. James R. Clayton, ’59
Rev. Diann O’Bryant, ’98 Bishop Bruce R. Ough Chaplain Roger Pace, USN (Ret), ’74 and Lugenia Pace Mrs. Eloise T. Purdy Celebrating United
Mrs. Karen D. Clark Dr. and Mrs. David Clymer Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cochrane Dr. Thomas L. Coffman, ’57 Ms. Betty Darst
*Deceased
29
Mr. Richard M. DeLon
Rev. Wilbur F. Lantz, ’60
Rev. Patricia L. W. Stone, ’05
Ron, ’65 and Cathie Dietrich
Rev. Dr. William A. Lasher, ’91
Rev. Judy L. Strayer, ’87
Nonito “Nitos”, ’17 ’21 and Rhee Joyce “Apple” Dobles
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Leavell
Steven and Cheryl Swallow
Rev. and Mrs. Kevin D. Dow, ’78
Mrs. Kyung Lee Yoon
Rev. Jerry Symonds, ’60
Barry L. Lewis, ’65
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Rev. William A. Linson, ’69
Wilton B. Thomas, Ch. LtCol, USAF, Ret., ’55
Rev. Dr. Eileen Dumire, ’05 Dr. Rev. Stephen E. Ellis, ’98 Dr. Robert A. Embree, ’54 Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Gary L. Eubank, ’66, ’10 Mr. Eric M. Falker, ’19 First Fil-Am Church of Greater Dayton Rev. Dr. George F. Fisher, ’60 Rev. Dr. David C. Forbes Sr., ’01 Pastor Caleb, ’18 and Elizabeth Fritz Rev. and Mrs. Frank B. Garlathy, ’70 Rev. Marilyn Bales Gebert, ’78 Mr. Ernesto Graham and Rev. Sherri L. A. Graham, ’12 Ms. Dawn Greenwalt Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Gruver Jr. Rev. Byron Theodore Hamrick, ’75 Don, ’82 and Janet Hanna Dr. and Mrs. James L. Harring, ’55 Rev. Dr. Laura H. Harris, ’13 Rev. Merrill A. Hassinger, ’66 Rev. C. Archibald Hawkins, ’79 Mr. Stephen Herbert Rev. Debra A. Holder Dr. Charles Holmes, ’83, ’96 Sue Laningham and Al Holzhausen Rev. Frank M. Hoover, ’94 and Rev. Linda S. Hoover, ’94 Justus and Ellen Hunter Bishop and Mrs. Neil L. Irons, ’63 Mrs. Patricia A. Jones
David G. Lounsbury, ’85 Rev. Anton Sarg Magyar, ’96
Jim and Jayne Thorne
James, ’77 and Billie, ’77 Maynard
Rev. Edwin A. Tutwiler, ’83
Chaplain and Mrs. Marvin A. McRoberts, ’60
Rev. Douglas J. Upton, ’92 Rev. and Mrs. Harold A. Varce*, ’51
Rev. Beverly F. Meadows, ’85
Mrs. Janice W. Wade
Marlin A. Miller, ’64
Laura K. Weber
Rev. Dr. Joyce L. Moore, ’00
Where He Leads Me Inc.
Rev. Dr. Melrose Morrell, ’15
Rev. W. Gerald Witt, ’63
Dr. Roy B. Nabors, ’96
Jerry D. Wortham, M.Div. ’58, ’75
Rev. Dr. Richard North, ’17 Dr. Alan Palmer, ’10 Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Karen Payne Steven and Barbara Polsley Rev. Robert L. Priest, ’61 Rev. Dr. Dennis V. Proctor Rev. Barry L. Raker, ’71 Rev. and Mrs. Larry M. Ray, ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Reichert Mrs. Marvalene P. Ricard Rev. Mother Lutricia Wright Richardson, ’17 Don Riker, ’81 Rev. Dr. Paul David Robinson, ’70 Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Louis Rosa Dr. Donald L. Russell, ’76, ’91 Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and Rev. Steven Schumm Mr. Matthew Scott, ’21
$1-$99 Dr. and Mrs. Duane A. Anders, ’91, ’92, ’03 Rev. Dr. Richard M. Bailey, ’73, ’78 Dr. Robert L. Baldridge*, ’94 Ms. Sandra K. Black, ’20 and Mr. Anthony Black Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Cannon, ’98 Rev. Patricia Christ, ’01 Ms. Alice Christopher Rev. John E. Ciampa, ’73 Rev. Chad Clark, ’17 Jerry and Sherral Clark Rev. James M. Clark, ’78 Ms. Shirley A. Clay, ’96 Mr. and Mrs. Randall Crouse Mrs. Lorna J. Cummings, ’92 Rev. Carylon Flax, ’20 Rev. Dr. William S. Falla, ’76
Rev.* and Mrs. Robert A. Jones, ’62
Rev. and Mrs. James N. Shaver Jr., ’71
Rev. Jay E. Jones, ’88
The Rev. Timothy J. Shaw
The Kaebnick Family
Rev. Wilson A. Shearer, ’54
Rev. Dr. James B. Futrell, ’97
Dr. Edith Winters Kimbrough, ’96
Mrs. Heather Shellabarger, ’14 and Mr. Ty Shellabarger
Rev. Dr. Cozette R. Garrett, ’01
Rev. Charles and Lurie Slaybaugh, ’68
Rev. Roland E. Garvin, ’54 Mr. Jason D. Greene, ’14
Rev. Dr. Ronnie C. King ’17 Mr. Mark Knecht and Mrs. Joan Knecht Rev. Bon Woong Koo, ’74 Rev. Dr. John F. Lacaria, ’05 Joe A. Lambright, Board member (2005) Shirley Landis, ’82
Rev. Max L. Smith, ’57 Rev. Paula W. Stewart, ’11 Rev. Margaret J. Stiles Chaplain Rich, ’03 and Reecia Stoglin
Mr. John Friel and Mrs. Patricia C. Friel
Mrs. Helen M. Harper Rev. Helen M. Hayes, ’94 Rev. Dr. Charlene Hendricks, ’00 Rev. Dr. Hugh E. Hendrickson, ’20 Dr. Madeline Henners, ’19
Rev. Dr. Willie Marie Herring, ’13 Ms. Ann L. Hinds, ’19 Dr. Lawrence C. Hood Jr, ’14 Rev. Daniel O. Houghton, ’87 Rev. Ellen Hugunin, ’97 Rev. Mary A. (Bradish) Hummel, ’83 Rev. and Mrs. Mark W. Jacobs, ’79 Mrs. Mary R. James Dr. James A. Johnson Sr. Rev. Robert J. Keely, ’96 Rev. Thomas D. Ketzler, ’87 Ms. Janyce E. Ley ’17 Dr. and Mrs. Mel Lindberg, ’90 Rev. Dr. Mankekol MahlanguNgcobo, ’92 Rev. Gerald E. Mallott, ’54 Ms. Anna Merlo, ’18 Rev. and Mrs. Ned A. Michael, ’76 Rev. James T. Mussman*, ’61 Rev. Dr. William Bert Neal III, ’19 Rev. Dr. Tung Za Pau, ’07 Rev. Bruce L. Pilcher, ’73 Mrs. Muriel I. Raymo Rev. Katherine J. Riley, ’78 Rev. Kenneth R. Rippin, ’65 Rev. and Mrs. Richard M. Royalty (withdrew, no grad year) Mr. Raymond Rush Rev. David W. Schneider, ’61 Rev. Dr. Tim Shumaker, ’93 Mrs. Carol Irish Smith, ’82 Rev. Dennis, ’72 and Cindi Snovel Rev. Frederick A. Somers, ’88 and Dr. Lynn Somers, ’86, ’88 Rev. and Mrs. Douglas W. Sonnenberg, ’93 Mrs. John F. Springer, ’55 Rev. David R. Stains, ’74 Rev. and Mrs. Richard A. Tettau, ’04 Clair, ’61 and Lorraine Wagner Mr. Paul I Willson Rev. Leslie Castle Womack, ’78 Rev. Robert E. Ziegler* and Mrs. Harriet L. Ziegler, ’58
*Deceased
Celebrating United
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United Alumni/ae Bishops Bishop Allyson N. Abrams 2000 MDiv, 2005 DMin Progressive National Baptist
Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer 1991 DMin United Methodist Church
Bishop Ronald L. Bailey 2002 DMin
Bishop Eric L. Leake 2004 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Zion
Bishop George W. Bashore 1958 MDiv, 1976 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton 1994 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford 2007 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Bishop K. Edwin Bryant 2008 MDiv Baptist Bishop Gregory Draper 2016 DMin Baptist Bishop Sally Dyck 1990 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Clement W. Fugh 1993 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Marshall A. Gilmore 1974 DMin Christian Methodist Episcopal Bishop Lorna M. Hunter 2010 DMin Baptist Bishop Gregory M. Ingram 1991 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Neil L. Irons 1963 MDiv United Methodist Church
Bishop Linda Lee 1984 MDiv, 1994 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Sir Walter Lee Mack Jr. 1997 DMin National Baptist USA Bishop Tracy Smith Malone 2001 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie 1993 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Jr. 1995 DMin Baptist Bishop W. Darin Moore 2011 MDiv, 2014 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop Dennis V. Proctor 1993 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop Dan E. Solomon 1973 DMin United Methodist Church Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr. 2016 MDiv, 2020 DMin African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel 1952 MDiv United Methodist Church
2020-2021 Graduates
On May 22, 2021, United Theological Seminary celebrated 47 doctoral (above) and 63 master’s (below) graduates.
Celebrating United
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Union Biblical Seminary was founded as a school of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Its founders were German Pietists. Key to Pietism is the reform and renewal of the church through holy living made possible by God’s grace. When we encounter God, we are changed. We are not just declared righteous, but made righteous. In a way we could not before, we can love our neighbors. We can seek justice and the common good. We can be peacemakers and agents of mercy. In fact, we not only can do these things, we want to do them. God transforms our hearts, desires, and volitions. Faith becomes active in love. The pietistic currents of Union Biblical Seminary continue at United Theological Seminary today. We describe them in three core values: historic faith, scriptural holiness, and church renewal. Historic faith is a way of talking about God’s guidance of the church into faithful teaching and practice across the millennia. Scriptural holiness refers to the ways in which God leads us into new life today through the Bible. Church renewal is a way of talking about the life-giving, empowering, transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Across the globe, God is making all things new, and we want to be a part of this work. To put these three values together, doctrine comes alive in the lives of believers and their communities through the work of the Holy Spirit. And so we pray: Come, Holy Spirit, and breathe holiness and life into your people. Teach us, renew us, and may this seminary be an ever-faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and the church he called into being.
David F. Watson Senior Vice President Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Breakthrough Prayer
O God, thank you for the persons you used to create spiritual breakthrough moments in my life. We pray for a spiritual breakthrough at United Theological Seminary as we burn the mortgage. We pray for spiritual breakthroughs for all the women and men you call to prepare for ministry at United. Unleash your Holy Spirit in us to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Christ’s name, Amen.