President Nancy Claire Pittman to Retire from Phillips Theological Seminary

The Board of Trustees of Phillips Theological Seminary has announced the upcoming retirement of President Nancy Claire Pittman effective Sept. 30, 2024.

“Nancy has faithfully served Phillips in so many ways over the decades,” said Claire Meredith, chair of the Board of Trustees. “As president, she has tirelessly worked to strengthen the seminary’s core values while exploring new opportunities with grace and strength.”

Pittman served Phillips in several roles before being named the seminary’s first female president in 2019. She was Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean before being named interim president in 2018. She has also directed the seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program and taught courses in the practice of ministry and the New Testament.

“There likely has never been a more challenging time to lead a seminary than during Nancy’s tenure,” Meredith said. “She has skillfully led Phillips through the global pandemic and continuing shifts in mainline Protestant theological education. Her vision has opened up new and innovative opportunities for the seminary and those it serves, including construction of a new building for short-term student housing and conferences.”

There will be a public celebration of Pittman’s service and retirement this fall. The board is now actively seeking an interim president and will conduct a national search for the next president.