Exciting Faculty Appointments for the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Program at Louisville Seminary | | Louisville, KY [June 30, 2025] - Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) is pleased to announce the faculty appointments of three distinguished scholars and practitioners who will strengthen and expand the Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program. | |
The Rev. Dr. Hee Jin Lee will join the faculty on July 1, 2025. Dr. Lee holds a Th.D. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Emory University, Candler School of Theology. Her research explores collective and intersectional trauma narratives among young Korean American survivors of childhood domestic violence, considering historical, cultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. She also holds degrees from Claremont School of Theology and Methodist Theological University in Seoul, Korea. A Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church (Missouri Conference) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (GA), Dr. Lee brings deep pastoral and clinical expertise to our community.
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Sarah Flannery will also begin her faculty appointment on July 1, 2025. She is currently earning her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Eastern University in Philadelphia, PA. She holds a Master of Science in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s in English from Asbury University. In her current role as Director of the Faithful Formation grant, a Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative, she equips parents and guardians to share their Christian faith with their children. She is also a published author, with two books on ministry and family engagement.
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Dr. Verena Schmidt will begin her faculty appointment on July 1, 2026. Dr. Schmidt holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville, where she researched the incarceration experiences of older African American adults. She also earned her Master in Social Work at Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule Munich, University of Applied Sciences in Germany. She is currently pursuing dual degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Louisville Seminary, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work.
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“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Louisville Seminary and the Marriage and Family Therapy program,” says The Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford, Vice President of Academics and Dean of the Seminary. “For the first time in program history, we will have four faculty colleagues in the MFT program. This expansion enables us to offer a wider range of courses, including options accessible to MDiv, MAR, and DMin students. Each of these practitioners and scholars brings a wealth of knowledge, unique gifts, experiences, and worldviews. Under the leadership of Program Director, The Rev. Dr. Lesley Ann Earles, this growth will propel the Marriage and Family Therapy program to new heights.”
Seminary President The Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville adds, “This is an extraordinary time of celebration for our Seminary community. This exceptional group of new professors demonstrates our Seminary’s commitment to continued excellence in our Marriage and Family Therapy program. These outstanding theological educators are joining an incredible faculty community dedicated to the continued success of our students.”
Please join us in welcoming The Rev. Dr. Hee Jin Lee, Sarah Flannery, and Dr. Verena Schmidt to our faculty! We look forward to the impact they will have on our students and the broader seminary community.
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There's A Place for YOU this Fall at Louisville Seminary
Whether you're called to preach, teach, counsel, or build justice-centered communities, our Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion programs are designed to meet you where you are.
- Fully Online Options
- Part-Time & Flexible Learning
- Financial Aid Available
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Fall 2025 Enrollment is OPEN!
Click here to apply or to learn more about our flexible options.
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Opening Convocation
August 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM (ET)
Caldwell Chapel & LPTS.edu/Watchlive
You are warmly invited to a special worship service celebrating the installation of Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow as the Director of Black Church Studies and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology and Black Church Studies at Louisville Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Praylow will also serve as our preacher for the occasion—a moment of joy, affirmation, and renewed commitment to the work of Black Church scholarship and formation. A community lunch in the Lou Sem Hope Cafe will be held immediately following the service. RSVP info coming soon!
Come and join the community in worship and witness as we mark this meaningful milestone and kick off the 172nd Academic year at Louisville Seminary.
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Caldwell Lecture
August 27, 2025 | 6:00 PM (ET)
Caldwell Chapel & Zoom
The annual Caldwell Lecture will feature Rev. Cassidy Hall—writer, filmmaker, ordained minister, and an LGBTQIA+ Christian contemplative scholar
This year’s lecture, inspired by the Mosaic theme, “Who Is My Neighbor?”, will offer a faithful and justice-led exploration of our call in a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are increasingly under threat.
Rev. Hall’s lecture promises to challenge, inspire, and deepen our collective theological imagination.
Registration opens soon—stay tuned!
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2025 Alum Reunion
August 28, 2025 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM (ET)
Louisville Seminary Campus
LPTS Alums return to campus for a joyful reunion - a time to reconnect with classmates, reflect on shared journeys, and celebrate all that binds us together in community.
Held just before this year’s Opening Convocation, the reunion offers a space for fellowship, memory-making, and renewed connection.
Whether you graduated this year, five years ago or fifty, you belong in this circle of care, faith, and lifelong learning.
More details soon - We’d love to see you!
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Led by the Holy Spirit, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary educates people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere.
To make a financial gift supporting Christ-centered,
justice-driven education at Louisville Seminary, click here.
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