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ATS Standards of Accreditation review continues, webinar on progress set for this spring
The working committee appointed by the Board of Commissioners to oversee the review of the ATS Standards of Accreditation and the Policies of the Commission on Accrediting is analyzing input gathered from 106 experienced peer reviewers, more than 400 individuals representing member schools at the 2024 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting, and several responses to a public call for comments. Read more. Listen here.
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Lisa Kern to leave ATS after 22 years
Lisa Kern, manager of member engagement, will be leaving ATS after more than 20 years to pursue a new career opportunity. She joined the ATS staff in 2003 as a communications coordinator, assisting with the writing, editing, production, and distribution of several ATS publications and event materials. Read more. Listen here.
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Research on human formation published as part of Organizational and Educational Models initiative
Four different study and resource groups have addressed key educational issues as part of the Association’s Organizational and Educational Models in Theological Education initiative, one of which focused on human formation. Read more. Listen here.
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Listening project leads to new opportunities for ATS financial officers
Financial officers in theological schools do more than wield the purse strings. They work with senior administrators to maintain economic equilibrium and maximize the use of available resources in the pursuit of institutional mission and goals. Read more. Listen here.
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Inside the Standards
of Accreditation
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Student services:
reviewing Standard 7
The preamble to Standard 7 in the ATS Standards of Accreditation states that “Theological schools are communities of faith and learning with a central focus on students and on serving them well.” This statement builds on a fundamental principle that runs through all the Standards and finds fuller expression in Standard 3. Read more. Listen here.
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ATS Member School Spotlight
Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University
| Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University is preparing to launch a transformative new program, the Fresh Expressions House of Studies, on June 1, 2025. The initiative is designed to provide innovative theological education that equips students to lead ministries both inside and outside traditional church settings. Read more. Listen here. | |
F[AI]thfully Co-Creating virtual gatherings to be held in March
Join us for conversations about the contextually relevant capacities we need as a community to proactively participate in emerging technological frameworks, AI, and beyond. We will discuss the productive tension of exploring new possibilities while staying rooted in our durable values, introduce upcoming micro-credential opportunities in AI in theological education, and share collective wisdom on best practices and pressing questions regarding the integration of theological education and artificial intelligence. To enable broad participation and access to these conversations, we will offer identical programming on two consecutive days. You can register for one of these sessions by clicking a link below.
The Association of Theological Schools, Atla, and the In Trust Center for Theological Schools are working together to build a series of events called F[AI]thfully Co-Creating: Navigating Artificial Intelligence and Theological Education. This series aims to bring together curious explorers, cautious observers, and seasoned practitioners in collaborative spaces that will provide practical guidance and critical conversation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and theological education.
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In Trust Center offers resource grants to its members
The In Trust Center for Theological Schools is offering Resource Grants of up to $15,000, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., to support eligible members in pursuing innovative solutions or opportunities within their institutions. Through this program, schools can engage external resources to advance their mission. The next grant cycle opens Monday, March 3, and closes Thursday, April 24. For questions, contact resourcegrants@intrust.org. Learn more and apply.
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ATS member school CEOs invited to participate in Wesley Seminary leadership survey
Wesley Seminary Executive Vice President Yamil Acevedo is inviting chief executive officers at ATS member schools to participate in a 10–15-minute survey that will help deepen the collective understanding of leadership in theological education. Acevedo is researching the role of place, space, and context in seminary leadership. He is exploring how physical settings, relational dynamics, and broader theological influences shape decision-making and institutional identity. Responses will remain confidential and contribute to a broader study on leadership formation and strategic decision-making in seminaries. The deadline to participate is March 10, 2025. Access the survey.
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