Phillips Theological Seminary Begins Search for New Vice President/Dean

Tulsa, Oklahoma, September, 19, 2012 – Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) has begun a search for a new Vice President of Academic Affairs / Dean of the Seminary.  The current VP/Dean, the Rev. Dr. Don A. Pittman, is retiring effective July 31, 2012 after 13 years of service.

“Given the climate change in the ecology of graduate theological education, a seminary needs bold and skilled academic leadership. Dean Pittman has been an effective and beloved leader in the PTS community. And the next dean will need to hit the ground running,” said seminary President Gary Peluso-Verdend. “PTS is in the midst of implementing a strategic plan, living into new statements of identity and mission, creating new programs, and revising current programs.”

The VP/Dean is charged with ensuring the excellence of educational offerings dedicated to learning and teaching the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital communities, vital conversations and the public good. As Chief Academic Officer of the seminary, the Dean holds a critical position in the seminary's governance shared by the Board of Trustees, the administration, and the faculty.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the directions signified by the seminary’s identity and mission statements and strategic plan.
• PhD or ThD in a theological or educational discipline;
• At least 5 years of employed experience in an ATS accredited seminary;
• Thorough knowledge of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as a commitment to ecumenical theological education;
• Hands-on knowledge of outcomes assessment at the levels of classroom and of program or institutional learning;
• Significant experience in academic administration (e.g., dean or associate dean, program director), including budgeting, personnel supervision, and compliance and assessment reporting;
• Teaching experience in and a positive disposition toward online methods of education.

For the full Prospectus and Description, please visit: www.ptstulsa.edu/VPDean. Letters of interest addressing the Prospectus and Description, curriculum vitae, and three (3) professional references should be sent to: mary.mcgilvray@ptstulsa.edu.  Applications received by November 16, 2012 will be given full consideration. 

About PTS
Established in 1907, Phillips Theological Seminary is dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital communities, vital conversations, and the public good.  Affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Phillips provides an ecumenical education, with students representing more than 20 denominations.  The mission of PTS is to learn and teach how to be: attentive to God; responsible biblical and theological interpreters; faithful individuals and communities acting with God to transform the world. In addition to serving the church’s need for an educated ministry, the seminary also welcomes students who are not pursuing ministerial degrees but who want to explore their faith through courses in the curriculum and through programs designed for larger publics.  www.ptstulsa.edu.

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