Rev. Neil Blair will retire as President of Saint Paul

Dear Community of Saint Paul School of Theology,

Over recent weeks President Blair consulted and conversed with the Board of Trustees leadership to discuss his contract and exit plan as president in order to spend more time with his
beautiful family. We are so pleased with President Blair’s careful and grace-filled process regarding a transition to a new president for our Seminary. President Blair will retire as president of Saint Paul School of Theology on December 31, 2023, with a six-month sabbatical following. This timeframe provides ample time for the Saint Paul community to thoughtfully seek a new president.

During President Blair’s leadership, Saint Paul has overcome incredible challenges. We now are an institution with outstanding executive leadership, faculty, and staff. Our fundraising supports current financial needs, and we established favor with our accreditation agencies. As we transition presidential leadership over the next two years, we also will begin to develop Saint Paul School of Theology’s next strategic plan. Please continue to offer your service, partnerships, support, and prayers as we vest in this mission-driven journey. Your faithful actions are noticed and deeply appreciated.

With Christ’s love,
Saint Paul School of Theology Board of Trustees, Executive Committee
Amy Hogan, Chair
Sharon Cleaver, Vice Chair
Andy Bryan, Secretary
Arden Borgen, Member At-Large
Lee Myane, Academic Committee, Chair
Dana Aldridge, Governance Committee, Chair
Linda Shipman, Resource Committee, Chair
Tex Sample, Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee, Chair

3 Comments

  1. Nadine S Hardin & Robert E. Miller on November 2, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    Congratulations Neil!!
    We will look forward to seeing
    you more often! Bob & Nadine ♥️♥️♥️

  2. John Mather Lurvey Ph.D on November 3, 2022 at 12:51 am

    Gwen and I are proud Saint Paul Alums here in the Cal-Pac Conference. Thank you Ned, for your faithful and success-blest leadership. Your achievements are not routinely gained as our colleagues at CST and other seminaries testify as we all must pioneer new shapes and textures of theological education. In Christ, John Mather Lurvey, ”67. and Gwen Jones-Lurvey ’68.

  3. Sandy Vogel on December 6, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    Dear Neil,

    What a faithful servant you have been to Saint Paul over many years. All of us graduates and friends have been blessed by your leadership and friendship. I remember you first as the Vice President for Advancement when I was a student and saw you develop many friendships with donors all over Kansas and beyond. Along with Tex you may be the longest serving member of the Saint Paul community. The high regard and friendship Tex has for you speaks to your competence as a leader, both spiritually and academically. Thank you, thank you for stepping up to the task and doing it well.

    Your sister in Christ,
    Sandy Vogel

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