SEPTEMBER | 2025

Transitions and new hires reflect ATS commitment to member schools

Every member of the ATS team plays a vital role in promoting the improvement and enhancement of theological schools to the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public. We’re proud to announce the following transitions, new staff hires, and an open position for hire:

Lester Edwin J. Ruiz has transitioned to full-time director of global awareness and engagement. Read More. Listen Here.

Charles O. Galbreath has joined ATS as director of accreditation. Read More. Listen Here.

Christopher M. The has transitioned into a new role as director of student data and research. Read More. Listen Here.

Marissa Dechant has been promoted to the newly created position of content and communications manager. Read More. Listen Here.

Layne Shaffer has been hired for the new role of program assistant for culture and community engagement. Becky Hollerman has joined ATS as a business office assistant. Read More. Listen Here.

Hiring Opportunity: ATS is seeking an associate director of initiatives to support the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. This new role will support grantee collaboration, manage data collection, and assess program effectiveness. Read More. Listen Here.

Upcoming Events

Measuring Student Experiences and Closing the Loop with Pocket Surveys

Sept 11 | Zoom

Graduating Student Questionnaire 2024–25 Webinar

Sept 17 | Zoom

2025 School for New Deans

Sept 15–16 | Pittsburgh, PA

2025 Technology in Theological Education Group Gathering

Oct 15–16 | Pittsburgh, PA

2025 Financial Officers' Conference

Nov 11–13 | Charlotte, NC

2025 Executive Leadership Intensive

Dec 8–11 | Charlotte, NC

Save the Date

2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting

Jun 23–25, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Learn More

Accreditation

ATS Standards of Accreditation: serving the ATS membership for 80 years

Once in a generation, ATS redevelops our Standards of Accreditation to better reflect the evolving landscape of theological education. Guided by principles of quality, simplicity, and flexibility, the newest Standards empower schools to innovate while staying rooted in their unique missions. Listen Here.

Member School Spotlight

Western Seminary launches four new MA cohorts

To make theological education more accessible, Western Seminary is launching new MA in Ministry and Leadership cohorts. These three-year, mentor-led programs foster deep relationships and practical ministry skills through monthly in-person intensives—equipping leaders to serve faithfully in their local contexts.

ATS History

ATS project on pastoral practices still relevant amid changing religious landscape

The Christian Hospitality and Pastoral Practices in a Multifaith Society project, undertaken by ATS from 2009–2012, fostered interfaith understanding and bridge-building across traditions. The project's findings, along with recently collected ATS data, shed light on a rapidly shifting religious landscape across the 21st century. Listen Here.

Initiatives

Collaboration, context, and change: Pathways Initiative continues to grow

Nearly 350 leaders from more than 100 theological institutions convened in Indianapolis in June for the 2025 Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative gathering. Participants reflected on grant progress and explored sustainable models for congregational leadership education. Listen Here.

Watch Event Videos

Leadership Development

Growing together: how Communities of Practice shape ATS leadership development

How do theological leaders grow not just in skill, but in community? This article explores how Communities of Practice at ATS transform leadership development by fostering peer-led collaboration, shared wisdom, and lasting relationships—ultimately enriching theological education across institutions. Listen Here.

Updates & Invites

Be part of the Standards review process: share your thoughts by September 15

We hope you had the opportunity to join our June 20 webinar on proposed revisions to the ATS Standards of Accreditation. A review of the Standards was authorized by the Board of Commissioners in 2024, in accordance with the Commission Policy on Board Responsibilities.

Proposed changes are the result of a comprehensive review process, which included feedback from more than 400 individuals across member schools, more than 100 peer reviewers, and six members of the public. Recommended changes are based on a 10-month study of feedback received.

Members are invited to review the proposed changes to help shape a refined version, which will be shared in fall 2025. Review the June 20 webinar and share your feedback by September 15. The final version will go to the Board of Commissioners in February 2026, and the revised Standards and Policies will be presented for a membership vote at the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting on June 23–25, 2026.

Questions? Email standardsreview@ats.edu.

Request QMI access now to create your Entering Student Questionnaires

Don’t let the October 15 submission deadline creep up on you! Request 2025–26 Questionnaire Management Interface (QMI) access now, and start creating your fall term Entering Student Questionnaires (ESQ). Timely submission via QMI guarantees inclusion in the preliminary ESQ Total School Profile (TSP) to be released on November 3.

If you need help, book a call with ATS Student Data Services staff or contact qmail@ats.edu.

The TSP findings will be discussed at the ESQ webinar on November 19, 2025, 2 to 3 p.m. ET.

Explore the value of Competency-Based Theological Education at CBTE 2025

Join the 2025 Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) Gathering, November 13–16, in Scottsdale, Arizona. As more students seek formation in character and practical skill alongside academic training, CBTE offers a compelling, holistic model.

This year’s gathering will feature plenaries, guided discussions, and interactive sessions on assessment, mentorship, program design, and more. The event will showcase perspectives from seasoned CBTE practitioners alongside insights from educational researchers, offering both practical wisdom and theoretical grounding.

Supported by a grant from the ATS Organizational and Educational Models Project funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., registration is $150 USD. Learn more and register.

University of Arizona PhD candidate invites survey participants for doctoral study

The following survey invitation is extended to ATS-accredited faculty:

Behavioral Intention and Theological Education dissertation research

I am conducting a doctoral study on factors influencing theological educators’ behavioral intention to integrate technology in teaching. The study explores how performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions relate to gender, age, and experience. Eligible participants include ATS-accredited faculty (adjunct to full professor) with terminal degrees and at least one year of teaching experience. The anonymous, 11-question online survey takes 5–10 minutes.

Informed consent link.

Contact daniel.riverarosado@student.uagc.edu.

Thank you for contributing to the future of theological education!

Daniel Andrés Rivera Rosado, PhD Candidate

University of Arizona Global Campus

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The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) is a membership organization of graduate theological schools. ATS Programs and Services offers educational events and resources to assist member schools with best practices, development of peer networks, production of research, and exploration of data. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS accredits the schools and approves the degree programs.

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