Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) and The General Theological Seminary (GTS) today published the position profile for the next Dean and President. The publication marks the opening of applications for a new leader to guide the two affiliated seminaries into their next chapters.
The position profile was drawn up following 25 in-person and online listening sessions with stakeholders from both seminaries, including students, faculty, alumni, bishops, and friends. One session was also conducted in Spanish.
The profile reflects the themes that emerged consistently throughout these conversations, including the desire for a faithful, pastoral, and visionary leader who can articulate a compelling vision for two distinct yet affiliated seminaries, strengthen their shared mission, and guide them through a period of significant change in theological education.
The Rev. Troy Mendez, chair of the Search Committee for the Dean and President, said: “The depth and thoughtfulness of these conversations have been extraordinary. Participants shared hopes for the future of theological education, reflections on the missions of both seminaries, and insights into the qualities and gifts that we seek in our next Dean and President. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to participate.”
You can read the full position profile here: https://vts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dean-and-President-VTS-and-GTS-Position-Profile.pdf
The search process is being handled by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM). The best way to share nominations and recommendations, submit an application, or contact the IM search team is through the dedicated IM webpage: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/virginia-theological-seminary-and-general-theological-seminary/dean-and-president. Individuals may also reach out to Liz Braun at [lbraun@imsearch.com]lbraun@imsearch.com, or Annah Wells at awells@imsearch.com.
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Applications and nominations received by October 31, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
The next Dean and President is expected to be announced in the summer or fall of 2027 and will take office on July 1, 2028, when the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS and president of GTS, retires. The seminaries have opted for an extended timeline for the search to enable them to access the broadest possible pool of candidates.
More information about the search is available on dedicated webpages hosted by each seminary. These pages will be updated throughout the search process. The search webpages can be accessed here: https://vts.edu/dean-search/and here: https://www.gts.edu/dean-search/overview.