Update on Candler School of Theology Dean Search
Dear Candler Community,
I write to you today with an update on the search for the next dean of Candler School of Theology.
As you know, Jan Love, the Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean of Candler School of Theology,previously shared her plans to step down at the conclusion of her current term in summer 2024. Under Dean Love’s leadership, Candler has emerged as a leading theology school within a top-tier research university, offering a unique and critical space for the education of faith leaders and advancement of theological scholarship. Its future successes are central to Emory’s identity, and our collective mission to pursue knowledge in the service of humanity. The deanship is not only a vital leadership role for Candler, but the university as a whole.
To guide our search, I am very pleased to announce the newly appointed members of the Candler Dean Search Advisory Committee—a group of dedicated faculty, staff, students,alumni and church leaders. Kimberly Jacob Arriola, dean of Laney Graduate School and vice provost for graduate affairs, will chair the committee, and Jonathan Strom, professor of church history, is co-chair; additional members are listed below.
To aid in identifying qualified candidates, Emory has retained the executive search firmSpencer Stuart, which will coordinate the process in partnership with the search committee. Spencer Stuart brings extensive experience not only in higher education recruitment, but in identifying leaders for theological and divinity schools.
We will launch the process this month with a series of listening sessions that will allow the search committee to hear directly from you on the qualities, attributes and ambitions the next dean should possess. In the days ahead, please look for an email from Melissa Daly, associate vice provost for executive operations and strategy and Candler dean search administrator, with further details.
In addition, you are invited to participate in the search process by asking questions, providing input and submitting nominations or applications via the confidential email Spencer Stuart has established: CandlerDean@spencerstuart.com.
I would like to thank the members of our search committee in advance for their service. I am grateful to Dean Love for 17 years of transformative leadership and her dedication to the success of the entire Candler community.
We are all excited about Candler’s future and hope you will join in the search process as we identify a new leader who will guide the school forward, foster theological scholarship and support student flourishing.
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Candler School of Theology Dean Search Advisory Committee
Chair: Kimberly Jacob Arriola, Dean of Laney Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs
Co-Chair: Jonathan Strom, Professor of Church History and Director of International Initiatives in the Candler School of Theology
Members:
Bill Britt 83T, Senior Minister, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
Lori Cromwell, Chief Business Officer, Candler School of Theology
Connor Felty 25T, Student
Jehu Hanciles, D.W. and Ruth Brooks Professor of World Christianity and Director of World Christianity
Allison Henderson-Brooks, Assistant Dean of Students
Joel LeMon, The Rev. Dr. Donald Harp Jr. Distinguished Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Ellen Ott Marshall, Professor of Christian Ethics and Conflict Transformation and Director of the Graduate Division Religion
Bishop William T. (Bill) McAlilly, Nashville Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church
Natalie Murdock 25T, Student
Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, Candler School of Theology Board of Advisors
Joanne Solis-Walker, Professor in the Practice of Leadership and Associate Dean of La Mesa Academy
Khalia Williams, Associate Professor in the Practice of Worship, Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation and Co-Director of Baptist Studies
Search Administrator: Melissa J. Daly, Associate Vice Provost for Executive Operations and Strategy, melissa.j.daly@emory.edu