Dean of Students Announces Retirement from Phillips

MaryAnn Morris in the Phillips Chapel (2020)

Dean of Students MaryAnn Morris has decided to enter retirement at the close of the current academic year at Phillips Theological Seminary.

During her time at the seminary, Morris journeyed from student, to alumna, to admissions staff, to director of admissions, to dean of students. As dean of students, she supervised the registrar’s office, admissions and recruitment.

“Every step along her path, she has lived our highest values and given so much of who she is to support the mission of Phillips Seminary,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Lee H. Butler, Jr. “Her ministry among us has been directed by a compassionate care of all souls but especially our students.”

In her letter of retirement, Morris shared, “After working remotely from January through March, it was quite an adjustment to leave my spouse and be away from home again most of the week. . . . (This,) along with the desire to explore a writing project I have been dreaming of for years, have led me to this place.”

The seminary is planning opportunities for ways small groups may express their thanks and well-wishes to Morris in light of ongoing COVID-19 precautions.

“Until we are able to be gathered all together as an in-person community that includes trustees, administration, staff, and students to express our gratitude, please join me now in thanking MaryAnn Morris, Dean of Students, for being a gift of friendship within Phillips Seminary,” Butler said.