EDS begins search process for president and dean, announces interim management team

June 17, 2008 [Episcopal Divinity School] Brett Donham, chair of the Episcopal Divinity School's board of trustees, has announced plans for the search process for a new president and dean, and the interim management structure for the School until a new president and dean is installed, filling the position left vacant by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, who announced his plans to resign as EDS president and dean in March 2008.

The search committee, chaired by trustee Doug Beaven, is made up of trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students, and alumni/ae. According to Donham, the committee is charged with "advising the board of trustees on the selection of a new president who will provide the future leadership of EDS in spiritual, academic, and administrative realms." The committee held its first meeting on May 13 and has a two day retreat planned for June 30 and July 1 at which time the committee will begin to develop the position description and profile of the ideal candidate, with the goal of advertising the position later this summer. It is expected that the search process will take 15 to 18 months. For a list of search committee members, visit the EDS website and click on Search Process.

Regarding the transition period, Donham said, "After consultation with the deans, the deans executive committee (DEC), and trustees, the board of trustees at their May meeting made the decision to establish a Deans Council made up of the Academic Dean [The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook], the Dean of Students and Community Life [The Rev. Karen Montagno], and the Dean of Administration [The Rev. Dr. Ran Chase], which jointly will administer the school during the interim period. They will meet monthly with me. This plan began on June 1, 2008, coinciding with the start of Steven Charleston's terminal vacation, and will continue until the new president and dean takes office."

The Dean of Administration will chair the Deans Council and will serve as the chief administrative officer of the school, and acting president. The DEC will continue to meet twice a month to discuss EDS policy and operations. Kujawa-Holbrook explains, "This structure allows us to continue in the mission of the school on a daily basis while moving forward in our partnerships and in the search for a president."

EDS also announces the hiring of Jane Wagner who will provide administrative support to the Deans Council and manage the administrative aspects of the president and deans' office.

Episcopal Divinity School is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. EDS, formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School (founded in 1857) and the Episcopal Theological School (founded in 1867), offers doctor of ministry and master's degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight-acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.

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