February 2023
MDiv enrollment declines while MA and DMin enrollments grow among ATS schools
For the first time in the history of ATS, the MA enrollment of 27,790 students exceeded the MDiv enrollment of 27,634 students. There are some unique developments to report from the finalization of ATS enrollment numbers and from the production of the ATS Annual Data Tables for fall 2022. Read more. Listen to more.
Unprecedented number of changes occurring among ATS school leaders
There have recently been an
unprecedented number of
changes among chief executive officers and chief academic officers in The Association of Theological Schools (ATS). During the past five years, ATS schools have seen the most transitions in these top two administrative leadership positions in the Association’s 105-year history. Read more. Listen to more.
ATS requests proposals for Moving Forward in Mission grants
As part of its Organizational and Educational Models Project, The Association of Theological Schools requests proposals from member schools in good standing for 12-month grants of up to $25,000 to support them as they take their next steps to fulfill their missions and execute their strategic plans. Read more. Listen to more.
Reflecting on the work of the ATS Women in Leadership initiative
March, being National Women’s History Month, is an appropriate time for theological educators to pause and celebrate the contributions of women whose gifts, scholarship, talent, and skill are not only welcomed and deeply valued in our discipline, but critical for helping to shape the enterprise. Read more. Listen to more.
Centers bridge fields of study and forge creative partnerships
In 2021, a group of center directors at universities gathered to discuss common work and share their wisdom. Several learnings were shared during their conversation about creating and sustaining the work of centers. Read more. Listen to more.
Lilly Endowment Inc. invites letters of interest
The Thriving Congregations Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., aims to help congregations thrive by strengthening ministries that help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with one another, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world. In this open and competitive grants initiative, Lilly Endowment Inc. anticipates awarding approximately 60 grants to charitable organizations that submit the most promising and compelling proposals that advance the initiative's aim and objectives. Please visit the Endowment's website to learn more.
Three participants needed for study on community within faculty
Three participants are needed to engage in a single, individual, one-hour recorded Zoom interview on how community is established among faculty in their institution. Participants should be full-time, tenured faculty in a standalone ATS institution in the US. Interviews will be conducted April 13-22, 2023 at a mutually agreeable time. Research is being conducted by Christine Henderson, assistant dean for academic advising and programs at Catholic Theological Union. She is a PhD student studying educational leadership at DePaul University. Interested participants can email her at [email protected] for more information. 
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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.