Hartford Seminary Presidential Profile

Hartford Seminary Presidential Profile

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH The Board of Trustees and its Presidential Search Committee invite nominations and expressions of interest for the position of President of Hartford Seminary upon the retirement of Dr. Heidi Hadsell next summer. This position offers an exciting leadership opportunity in a non-denominational graduate school for religious and theological studies. Hartford is uniquely a multi-faith seminary with a proven record of preparing religious leaders for our diverse and complex world. We anticipate the next president will assume office on or around July 1, 2018. ABOUT HARTFORD SEMINARY 2 Hartford Seminary was founded by Congregational ministers in 1833 as the Pastoral Union of Connecticut to train ministerial leadership. The Seminary has a history of being cutting edge among its peer institutions long before its re-organization in 1972, when the focus shifted from preparing pastors, missionaries and professional religious educators toward ongoing education for pastors and the broader public in empowering religious communities and building constructive relations between Christians and Muslims. Today, the seminary s approach is one of interfaith dialogue. Students of different faiths from around the world enroll in programs ranging from leadership certificates to a Ph.D. It was the first seminary in America to admit women in 1889, was a founding member of the Association of Theological Schools, developed the first center for the study of Islam and Christian-Muslim relations in the U.S. in 1973, and was the first non-denominational seminary in North America to name a female president and to hire a full-time Muslim faculty member in 1990 and 1991, respectively.

The Seminary also was the first in the country to offer an accredited Islamic Chaplaincy program starting in 2001. Located just west of downtown in Hartford, CT, the Seminary is housed in an award-winning modern building designed by internationally known architect Richard Meier and completed in 1981. The architecture is a tangible reflection of the bold and visionary place Hartford Seminary had then and continues to have within the world of theological education. With this lengthy history of innovation and its strong emphasis on interfaith dialogue, peacemaking, and learning, Hartford Seminary is well-positioned to be a powerful force in preparing religious leaders and scholars with the knowledge and skills needed for today s complex and multi-faith world. MISSION STATEMENT Hartford Seminary is an educational institution where a consciousness of God is cultivated and shared. We believe strong religious institutions and healthy communities of faith are necessary to the well-being of individuals and society. We affirm the goodness of religious differences that exist in the world, and we support faithful living in a pluralistic and multi-faith environment. We are committed to the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence, to the understanding of religion and spirituality as they are lived out in daily life, to the exploration of issues of gender, race and class, and to education that integrates the many dimensions of human experience. Hartford Seminary serves God: By preparing leaders, students, scholars and religious institutions to understand and live faithfully in today s multi-faith and pluralistic world; By teaching, research, informing the public and engaging persons in dialogue; By affirming the particularities of faith and social context while openly exploring differences and commonalities. 3

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS The Association of Theological Schools noted that Hartford Seminary has a distinctive theological curriculum with programs that draw on the institution s historical research strengths in congregational studies and Christian-Muslim relations. This curriculum includes master s through Ph.D. degree programs, a wide range of innovative certificate programs, and internationally known research from its long-standing research institutes. Degree Programs Degree programs include a Cooperative Master of Divinity program in conjunction with Yale Divinity School, Boston University School of Theology, Drew Theological School and Chicago Theological Seminary Online. In each case, students complete the first half of their M.Div. at Hartford, finishing with one of the partner institutions. The Doctor of Ministry is a practical leadership-oriented degree that is grounded in research and oriented toward revitalization and innovation in leadership. It is based on insights and tools gleaned from congregational studies, research from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, along with informed and wise leaders in the field to help students better understand the social and theological dynamics in their ministry setting and larger cultural context. One learns not only how to perceive one s ministry setting s needs and how to effect relevant change in that setting, but also how to understand and respond to this complex and ever-changing contemporary reality. The Masters of Arts in Religious Studies (MARS) degree is the largest program, comprising approximately 50% of all enrolled students. Its three learning goals are to deepen and broaden students faith understandings, to help them reflect on the challenge of diversity in a dialogical setting, and to encourage them to meaningfully relate religious theory and spiritual practice to the context in which faith communities exist in daily life, community, and the world at large. Degree candidates can add up to three additional learning goals based on their personal aspirations. As of fall 2017, a fully online version of this program also is being offered. 4

The Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership and Spirituality is targeted to those in leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Many students in this program are individuals who may not be attached to a particular faith tradition but who desire to deepen their understanding of how to live a spiritually fulfilling life in today s pluralistic and materialistic world. Transformative refers to transformation of consciousness reflected in outward action. Hartford has gained national visibility for its Islamic Chaplaincy Program, which can be completed as a certificate or M.A. The 24-credit applied chaplaincy certificate program can be paired with a 48-credit M.A. program for a degree in Islamic Chaplaincy. This was the first accredited Islamic Chaplaincy program in the U.S. at its inception. Finally, the newly offered Ph.D. in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations welcomed its first students this fall. One of the first Ph.D. programs in Christian-Muslim relations offered by a U.S. seminary, this program capitalizes on Hartford s academic strengths in this area. Graduate Level Certificate Programs The Seminary s extensive master s level certificate programs recognize that flexibility is a key for today s students. These programs include: The International Peacemaking Program (IPP). This program has been a flagship program for more than ten years. Emerging leaders with undergraduate degrees from the U.S. and other countries with religious tensions or conflict apply for the limited number of IPP scholarships. Selected students spend an academic year studying interfaith dialogue, conflict transformation and leadership skills. The program culminates in designing a leadership project to be implemented in the graduate s home setting. A variety of other certificate programs, many with long histories at Hartford, provide religious leaders from a variety of faiths and settings with skills and knowledge. These include graduate certificates in areas such as: Imam and Muslim Community Leadership offered in partnership with the 5

International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) at its Fairfax Institute in Herndon, VA; Leadership, Biblical Studies, Interfaith Dialogue, Islamic Chaplaincy, Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, Ministry in Daily Life, Religious Studies, Spirituality, and Theology and Ethics. The Black Ministries Program (BMP) and the Programa de Ministerios Hispanos (PMH) are each two-year programs that seek to meet the needs of ethnic minority communities in the greater Hartford area. The BMP builds the leadership, training, and preaching skills of laity and clergy in the urban church. The PMH offers introductory theological education for ministry and leadership in Hispanic churches and communities. The Women s Leadership Institute (WLI) focuses on developing the leadership skills of its participants while exploring a feminist perspective for transformation in religion and society. WLI creates a community for women of all ages and cultures committed to liberation and an awareness of the empowering, energizing presence of God s spirit in our lives. Research Institutes The Seminary gained national and international recognition for its research after the establishment of its two widely known research institutes. 6

The Macdonald Center, founded in 1973, is the oldest center in the nation for the study of Islam and Christian-Muslim relations. Its guiding premise is that through intensive study and academically guided dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation can develop between Muslims and Christians. Dedicated to scholarly research, it edits the journal The Muslim World, the leading English language journal on Islam, housed at Hartford since 1938. The Center also is responsible for the Islamic studies and Islamic Christian relations portions of Hartford s curriculum, and dedicates significant time to involvement in interfaith dialogue. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research, founded in 1981, formalized a much longer standing sociological research program on the interrelationship between the life and resources of American religious institutions and the social and cultural contexts in which they function. Initiating more than 80 projects since its inception, this institute maintains strong connections to local congregations, denominations, and theological education institutions. THE HARTFORD SEMINARY COMMUNITY Hartford Seminary s student body reflects the rich diversity of its mission in every sense. Just under 2/3 of the students represent a range of Christian denominations, slightly more than one third represent the Muslim faith, with an additional small percentage of Jewish students. From the International Peacemaking students to persons already in religious leadership roles primarily in Christian, Muslim and Jewish settings, to individuals pursuing theological education for personal interest all are attracted to Hartford s unique mission and curriculum and the welcoming community they find at the Seminary. The Seminary s enrollment has seen modest growth in the past 5 years while remaining fairly stable over the past couple of years. The new Ph.D. program, work on the D.Min. degree and expanding the MARS program to online reflect strategic steps toward enrollment growth. Faculty and staff are deeply committed to and live out Hartford s unique mission. The 11 full-time faculty, most of whom also carry program administrative functions, and the approximately 20 parttime faculty represent the diversity central to Hartford s mission. 7

They are dedicated teachers and scholars, many with national and international reputations but most of all, a deep commitment to students. Finally, Hartford Seminary has an engaged and knowledgeable Board that is dedicated to the institution, to assisting in a smooth presidential transition, and to ensuring the new president s success. In a tumultuous theological school environment, Hartford Seminary is relatively stable in comparison to many of its peers. It has an endowment of approximately $50 million, ten times its operating budget, and has no long term debt. The Seminary is a careful steward of its operating resources, working diligently to ensure its long term viability. However, these are difficult times for seminaries, and Hartford is well aware of its need to continue to position itself on the cutting edge in order to prosper in the ever-changing world in which it operates. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: AN AGENDA FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT The Seminary recently engaged in a strategic planning process resulting in a plan for 2015-2019. The vision behind this plan is: By 2019, Hartford Seminary will be the leading seminary in Graduate Interfaith Education and in preparing persons for leadership in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Strategic priorities within this plan will form a substantial part of the new president s agenda. Among these strategic priorities and those identified by the Board, faculty, staff, alumni, and religious leaders in conversations about the leadership of the next president are the following: Build community and institutional momentum It will take every member of the Hartford Seminary community working together faculty, staff, students, administration and board to attain the aspirations reflected in the strategic plan. The president will need to understand the hopes and concerns of each, engage them in planning for the institution s future success, and create a sense of excitement, community, and momentum. Hartford Seminary is fortunate to have such talented and committed people eager for involvement in the Seminary s future. The opportunity to tap these human resources dramatically increases the probability that Hartford Seminary can indeed be the leading 8

seminary in graduate interfaith education and in preparing persons for leadership in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Increase enrollment Visibility for the Seminary alone does not necessarily lead to enrollment gains. Attention will need to be given to how and where to gain visibility for new and creatively re-tooled programs. For example, marketing the on-line M.A. degree is significantly different from recruiting students for on-campus study. Continual review of enrollment results by program area will be necessary as well as a carefully developed and monitored enrollment plan. Marketing and enrollment planning must go hand in hand, one supporting the other. Broaden and strengthen visibility Many members of the Seminary community voiced the hope that Hartford might capitalize on the relevancy of its mission for these times by being a strong, highly vocal and out front presence on interfaith issues and peacemaking. As several stated, the benefits of risk-taking knowing not all will agree with our message far outweigh a lack of visibility. Others noted the potential of increased uses of social media as an asset for visibility. The Seminary has strong international recognition which it hopes to continue. At the same time, Hartford Seminary appears to lack strong visibility in its local and regional environment. It is hoped the next president will be a local and regional presence, actively engaging in the local community. This includes building new partnerships with all types of organizations including but not limited to theological schools, churches and other religious organizations, and community groups. Hartford Seminary is fortunate to have such talented and committed people eager for involvement in the Seminary s future. Advance uses of technology in support of the Seminary s mission The Seminary has done quite a bit with advancing technology usage in recent years. Newly mediated classrooms, faculty development in uses of technology for online instruction, a growing communications presence with social media and the website, and library improvements are examples. However, the institution has not delivered a solely on-line program until this fall. Questions of how to support distant students and what additional tools and training are needed as technology becomes more ubiquitous remain. The next president will need to raise critical questions about the role technology can and should play in the Seminary s future and ensure technology s contributions to the institution s mission and priorities. Continue to identify, invest in, and assess areas of the Seminary that will lead to growth and fiscal sustainability The Seminary recently launched several new degree programs and conducted reviews of others. These new programs will need sufficient resources to take hold and thrive as well as be carefully assessed on how well they accomplish their goals. Strategic decisions will be required on the functions in which to invest for maximum institutional benefit and on which strategies will lead to being the sustainable and cutting edge institution Hartford Seminary has been in the past and aspires to be in the future. Consequently, the next president also must be a willing and effective fundraiser, expanding the donor base and maintaining the Seminary s success with foundations in support of the institution s priorities. 9

QUALITIES/CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT IN THE NEXT PRESIDENT To effectively lead Hartford Seminary into the future, it will be important that the next President possess the following qualities and characteristics: A deep commitment to the Seminary s mission evidenced by experience with and sensitivity to interfaith dialogue. A person of faith and a participant in one s faith community whose personal convictions shape one s leadership style and professional actions. A collaborative leader who nurtures community, building energy and momentum for shaping the institution s future. Academic credentials and/or experiences that demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for teaching, learning and scholarly endeavors. An adept fundraiser, both helping plan and directly implementing a donor-focused advancement program. Evidence of progressively increasing responsibility and successful leadership experience indicating readiness for the complex job of seminary president. Excellent communication with evidence of effective listening, writing and speaking skills in communicating with a wide variety of constituencies. A strong manager and effective decision maker. This includes a track record of effective oversight of human and financial resources, experience in decision-making involving others as appropriate, and attention to the fiscal implications of decisions. A people-person with strong relationship-building skills. He/she must be at ease with being the face of the institution and capable of building relationships with the multiplicity of constituencies this entails. A person of integrity who builds confidence and trust in his/her leadership. Demonstrated energy, passion and creativity and an excitement and enjoyment in being Hartford Seminary s president. 10

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS Nominations and expressions of interest may be submitted electronically to: Mr. James Robertson, Chair Presidential Search Committee Hartford Seminary HartSemPresident@agbsearch.com Candidates are asked to submit the following electronically (MS Word or PDF): 1. A letter of interest reflecting on the presidential agenda and qualities and characteristics noted above. 2. A resume or curriculum vita. 3. The names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of five references. References will not be contacted without first securing the permission of the candidate. To assure full consideration, materials should be received on or before Monday, November 27, 2017. Dr. Saundra J. Tracy of AGB Search, Inc. in Washington D.C. is assisting with the search. Interested candidates or nominators may contact her at: Saundra J. Tracy 812-272-3149 Saundra.Tracy@agbsearch.com Additional information about Hartford Seminary may be found at www.hartsem.edu Hartford Seminary is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 11

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