Nashotah House renews Dean Anderson’s contract, restructures leadership to support seminary’s continued growth

The Nashotah House Theological Seminary Board of Directors has renewed the contract of Dean Dr. Garwood Anderson for a five-year term. 

“The Board of Directors is pleased to reaffirm our support for Dr. Anderson’s leadership. His commitment to the mission of Nashotah House and clear vision for its future give us full confidence in the direction he is taking the seminary,” said the Rev. Canon Ed Monk, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Despite the challenges known to many higher education institutions in recent years, Nashotah House has experienced remarkable growth, a credit to Dr. Anderson’s leadership. We are delighted he has agreed to remain as our Dean for another five years.” 

Anderson has served as Dean since 2017. He joined the Nashotah House faculty in 2007 as Professor of New Testament and Greek and served as Academic Dean from 2009 to 2012. 

Under Anderson’s leadership as Dean, the number of enrolled students has nearly doubled since the Fall of 2017.

“The past five years have only reinforced my commitment to the work of the House and its unique role in equipping future priests and lay leaders,” said Anderson. “There is much to celebrate and yet so much more work remains to be done as we continue our mission in service to the Church. I appreciate the support and confidence from the Board of Directors as we enter this next chapter while continuing to steward the rich tradition we have inherited.” 

Growth at Nashotah House under Anderson’s leadership has included:

·      A 94% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment from 2017 to 2021, a growth rate that outpaces all of its peers nationally, according to a recent audit by the Association of Theological Schools.  

·      The appointment of several new distinguished faculty members, including the Rev. Dr. Hans Boersma, Chair of the Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Endowed Professorship in Ascetical Theology; the Rev. Dr. Greg Peters, Servants of Christ Research Professor of Monastic Studies and Ascetical Theology; Dr. Elisabeth Kincaid, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Moral Theology; Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Assistant Professor of Church Music and Director of Chapel Music; and the Rev. Paul Wheatley, PhD (cand.), Associate Professor (elect) of New Testament and Greek. 

·      The expansion of the seminary’s summer and winter term course array and collaboration with world-renowned visiting professors, including the Rev. Dr. John Behr, the Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley, the Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler, the Rev. Dr. Trevor Hart, and Dr. Lewis Ayres. 

·      The completion of classroom renovations and improvements to the campus’s technological infrastructure, greatly expanding capabilities for remote and hybrid instruction.   

To support its growing programs and advance its strategic goals, Nashotah House also announces the restructuring of its leadership team.

The recent appointments to several key leadership positions set a foundation for the seminary to serve more students, nurture relationships with existing and prospective donors, and sustain the rigorous formation of its seminarians. 

·    Dr. Jim Watkins has been appointed Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. In this role, he will provide administrative leadership to the seminary’s academic programs, in assistance to the Dean and faculty. Watkins joined Nashotah House’s advancement department in 2020 and later transitioned to become Director of Distributed Education. Under his leadership, the seminary’s hybrid-distance and advanced degree programs have grown significantly in breadth and participation. 

 · The Ven. Dr. Kelly O'Lear has been appointed Associate Dean for Formation. A priest with extensive experience as an Army chaplain, O’Lear joined Nashotah House in 2021 as Director of Formation and Leadership Development. As Associate Dean, he will tend to all aspects of the formation of seminarians, including pastoral care, chapel worship, field education, and community life. 

·      Robin Little has been named Senior Director of Advancement, overseeing all aspects of donor relations, alumni relations, and communications and marketing. Little joined Nashotah House in 2021 as its Director of Development after serving for several years as Assistant Director of Development at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. Little recently added two positions to the advancement department: Lauren Cripps was hired as Communications & Marketing Manager, and Rebecca Terhune (MTS, ’15) was hired as Alumni Associate.  

·      The Rev. Jason Terhune (M.Div., ’15) will continue to serve as Senior Director of Operations. Terhune returned to Nashotah House to join its advancement department in 2019 and later transitioned to his current role, which includes oversight of accounting, student accounts, IT, maintenance, housekeeping, compliance, refectory, and human resources. 

·      The Rev. Dr. Travis Bott, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, has been elected Chair of the Faculty, a new position designed to strengthen the critical connection between the faculty and administrative leadership. 

“I couldn’t be more pleased with this group of leaders serving in these critical roles,” Anderson said. “Individually, each brings formidable talents and has made significant contributions since joining our team. Collectively, their enthusiasm, robust networks within the Church, and, most importantly, dedication to the students we serve have strengthened our seminary. During a time of tremendous opportunity for the House, we are well-positioned to flourish with this team in place.” 

These appointments will also allow Anderson to dedicate more of his time to external relations, including advancement initiatives, partnerships with parishes, and engagement with alumni. 

“It’s always encouraging to reconnect with Sons and Daughters of the House. I look forward to visiting with more of our alumni and supporters in the months to come. Good things are happening on this campus, and I’m eager to share that story with our friends, both old and new,” Anderson said.