ATS welcomes two new associate directors to advance Pathways for Tomorrow

ATS proudly announces the appointment of Lysette Flores and Tracy Riggle Young as associate directors of initiatives. These appointments expand the Association’s capacity to lead the Pathways for Tomorrow Coordination Program, an initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. that helps theological schools adapt to the changing landscape of ministry and build sustainable futures. Both will begin their roles in January 2026. Listen Here.

Growth in non-degree programs is not without its challenges

Growth in non-degree enrollment in ATS member schools appears to be increasing rapidly. Fueled by funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, many ATS schools have developed or expanded non-degree offerings as creative ways to make theological education more accessible. Listen Here.

New students favoring full-time, on-campus engagement: what we’re learning from the fall 2025 ESQ

A recent ATS Student Data Services webinar highlighted the reemergence of incoming student interest in full-time, on-campus theological education. This renewed preference, supported by the latest Entering Student Questionnaire data from fall 2025, signals a reversal of multiyear trends in enrollment patterns. Listen Here.

Measuring the success of mergers and embeddings of ATS member schools

One of the most significant trends across ATS in recent decades has been the growing percentage of schools merged with or embedded in a peer or host institution. Nearly half of the 70 schools that have joined ATS since 2010 are embedded. During that same period, 42 historically “stand alone” schools have merged with or embedded in other institutions. This article explores why schools have merged or embedded, some of the results of that change, and what ATS has learned about the processes and potential impacts of this action. Listen Here.

Steering with committees: the gift of insider leaders in ATS programming

ATS Leadership Development takes pride in designing programs that bring together leaders from across our membership to explore and engage in issues and challenges specific to leadership in theological education. But these programs are more than just meetings or conferences—they are intentional spaces for nourishment, growth, and possibility. The goal is to create space for real community, an environment where professionals who serve in similar capacities can connect with one another, share experiences, and explore innovative ideas that strengthen the entire community of theological schools. Listen Here.

Know your accreditation terms

Substantive changes. Commission-approved guidelines. Why are these terms vital to your school’s accreditation? To help you best understand language used in the Standards of Accreditation, the Commission accrediting group regularly updates the Accreditation Key Terms and Definitions page. This page provides both quick and detailed explanations of standards terms most important to your school.

These are the two newest terms added to the page.

Substantive changes: petitions and notifications

This refers to a major change in a school’s mission, programs, or operations that requires prior Board approval.

Commission-approved guidelines

These are guidelines approved by the Commission to help schools apply specific Standards. 

Azusa Pacific University creates original curriculum in Spanish with two fellow schools

ATS member school Azusa Pacific University is partnering with Latin American Bible Institute and Life Pacific University to launch an original curriculum entirely in Spanish, creating educational opportunities ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. The project is supported by a Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow grant.

According to the grant proposal, Hispanic pastors often serve faithfully without the benefit of accessible and culturally relevant theological education. The new program will provide a contextual curriculum in Spanish and not merely a translation of an English language curriculum.

This story appeared in the Autumn 2025 issue of In Trust magazine.