“The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ …”
(Ephesians 4:11-12)
I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Monica J. Lowe has accepted the position of Trinity admissions officer. While her official start date is August 2, she has already begun settling into her office, making it an inviting space for the spiritual conversations that are so important in seminary admissions work.
Dr. Lowe has a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. She also recently completed a PhD in Education with an emphasis on the recruitment and retention of African Americans at predominantly white institutions.
Current students had the opportunity to meet with each of the final candidates for the admissions position. One commented, “Dr. Lowe is interpersonal, emphasizes accompaniment and learning people’s stories, and brings with her existing relationships with central Ohio communities and Dr. Kevin Dudley which could provide exciting opportunities for certificate and DMin programs that are in development. Her experiences in social work, education, and public theology also provide great avenues for recruiting students who feel called to ministry opportunities which intersect with these fields.”
As we welcome Dr. Lowe to Trinity, I also need to express my deep gratitude to the Rev. Tori McGraw-Rowe, Manager of Seminary Strategic Partnerships, and the Rev. Todd Mills, Director of Congregational Engagement and Advancement, who took on additional responsibilities while the seminary admissions position was vacant. Their conversations with prospective students were essential in keeping us moving forward!
Each week I receive a University-wide admissions report, showing the most current enrollment numbers. As of this past Monday, there are 12 new students enrolled at Trinity for the fall. Seven are M.Div. students, two of whom are recipients of ELCA Fund for Leaders full tuition scholarships. Four newstudents are enrolled in the Master of Theological Studies program, and another is a non-degree seeking student. These numbers do not yet include the two exchange students we are expecting to receive from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary. We are also in conversation with several local students who are working to complete their applications for fall.
As we approach the start of Fall Term in another month, it’s exciting to see the work that God is doing in our midst!
The Rev. Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D.
Dean
Trinity Lutheran Seminary forms leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world.