President Simmons Takes the Helm in 2024

Dear Alumni and Friends of Saint Paul,

Greetings and best wishes for the new year from all of us at Saint Paul School of Theology.  As we begin the new year, the trustees, faculty, and staff are pursuing important work to enhance our service to our students and to advance the mission of the Seminary.

To that end, our current strategic plan is set to conclude within the coming year.  Consequently, the Board of Trustees formed a task force several months ago to prepare the next iteration of our strategic plan.  Members of the Seminary’s Executive Leadership Team are now working with members of the faculty and staff to refine the draft of the plan scripted by the task force.  Over the next few months, these efforts will continue until we have a document ready for review by the Board of Trustees.  While we are still too early in this effort to comment on any specific initiatives, the plan ultimately endorsed by the Board will guide all our efforts for the next several years. For that reason, this effort is critically important in defining how we ensure that Saint Paul remains a vital and vigorous Seminary committed to preparing our students for creative and innovative ministry.  As more details are available, I will share the news with you.

Permit me to also express the gratitude and good fortune I feel to begin my work as president of Saint Paul.  I would be remiss if I failed to express my appreciation for the efforts former President Neil Blair expended in guiding Saint Paul through a difficult period of transition.  President Blair and the leadership team he assembled ensured our academic programs are demonstrably effective, our finances are healthy, and our accreditation status with the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission is fully affirmed. 

Additionally, our faculty not only foster an effective teaching and learning experience for our students, but they are also impressively active in their scholarship and publications.  As for our staff, their commitment to our students seems boundless.  In my many years of work in education and accreditation, I have encountered few institutions as academically, financially, and spiritually healthy as Saint Paul School of Theology.

Of course, much of the credit for Saint Paul’s fortuitous position belongs to all of you.  Your advocacy for the Seminary and your generous financial support have been vital in realizing the outcomes I have described.  Many, many thanks for the innumerable ways you have helped Saint Paul.  Your prayers and actions on behalf of the Seminary are a blessing to all of us.

Sincerely,
Jay