Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust Elected President of the Religious Education Association

Richmond, VA (September 23, 2024)—Union Presbyterian Seminary congratulates Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust as her term begins as President of the Religious Education Association. The world’s oldest and largest association of scholars and researchers in the field of religious education, the REA serves hundreds of members with multiple faith traditions. REA’s commitment to collegiality, innovative learning design, and support for students spans decades.

Previously, Yust served as Chair of the Academic Disciplines and Institutions Committee, a Board position for REA. In her role as president, she joins many notable figures in the field of religious education, including George Albert Coe, Mary Elizabeth Mullino Moore, C. Ellis Nelson, Iris Cully, Maria Harris, Charles Foster, Thomas Groome, Jack Seymour, and Anne Streaty Wimberly. UPSem Emeritus Professor Henry Simmons served as REA’s president in 1979-81.

As the Josiah P. and Anne Wilson Rowe Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Children’s Spirituality Hub, Yust has studied the field for more than three decades. A prolific writer, professor, pastor, and mother of three adult children, her work is regularly featured in publications across the globe.

“I am delighted that Rev. Dr. Yust is being honored by her peers in this way and appreciate her willingness to serve in an area so critical to the life of religious communities. She wonderfully exemplifies the commitment to excellence in religious education that has characterized Union Presbyterian Seminary for over a century,” said Union Presbyterian Seminary’s President Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley.

Yust added, “Globalization and digital culture have changed the focus and practice of faith formation dramatically during my career. I look forward to working with educators across the U.S. and abroad in my two year role as president of REA.”

Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Yust!

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Contact: Barb Dodd
Director of Communications
bdodd@upsem.edu
(804) 278-4279 direct