b'2 CampusFROM PRESIDENT LAPSLEYPreparing for a New Creation: Communicating the Seminarys New Strategic PlanEven before I started as president at UPSem in July of 2023, the Strategicour work; and, crucially, telling the UPSem story in vital and compelling Planning Committee was hard at work listening to all of the Seminaryswayswe cannot hide our light under a bushel!constituencies about what they value and envision for the Seminary in theSo how do we encapsulate UPSems mission for this season of change next five years. When I arrived, I jumped right onto that committee and intoand newness? The gospel of Jesus Christ is more relevant than ever in these the robust process of feedback-gathering already underway. The committeechallenging and fractured times as people long for the life-giving good worked on a draft; sent it back out to faculty, students, staff, and trusteesnews of Gods love for them and our world. UPSems mission is, therefore, for feedback; and then made revisions based on their input.to prepare people to be leaders of gospel-inspired transformative change It quickly became apparent that there was widespread consensus in thein pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. We are already hard at community about how the Seminary can and should respond to changes inwork on that mission, and we are grateful to you for your partnership in it! the church and the world. God in Christ is at work on a New Creation, and UPSem is called to participate in that newness by focusing on several areas,MORE ONLINE including: revising our curriculum for the mid-21st century; expanding ourUse your mobile device to scan the QR code impact on the church and the world through more non-degree offeringsat left to download the strategic plan, or visit (to better resource pastors, congregations, and laypeople for ministry) andhttps://bit.ly/5yearUPSemplanbecoming a convening hub for critically important conversations; continuingWatch Jacqs video introducing the plan atto diversify our faculty, staff, and student body; developing and sustainingbit.ly/UPSem24missionthe technology infrastructure and financial resources needed to support MEET YOUR TRUSTEESJan Myers CookAfter retiring from a 40-year career as a public sector attorney, owner of aa shared vision for the future of UPSem, and we all love God and are law firm specializing in elder law, and a former board member of severalcentered in faith, even if we come from different churches and traditions, nonprofit organizations, Jan Myers Cook is helping UPSem transition to itsshe says. We also have new and different ideas and perspectives that we next act. share and bring for change.CooksnextacthasincludedarelocationfromNewYorkCitytoFor Cook, UPSems future is about making Christian education more North Carolina with her husband and launching a new venture coachingopen, available, and reaching more people. I care about faith and teaching attorneys who are women of color in their own next acts, plus serving onin inclusive, broad, and traditional and nontraditional ways, so we reach a the UPSem board. lot of different peoplebecause isnt that She credits Pastor Peter Wherry with introducing her to the idea ofthe goal? she says. We have to change, UPSem board service two years ago, not long after she joined Mayfieldmove, and respond to what students and Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. An UPSem alumnus and longtimethose who are seasoned in various settings board member, Wherry saw an opportunity for Cook to serve and shareneed, and what theyre looking for to grow her spiritual gifts where she hadnt considered it. It was a faith walk fortheir abilities, skills, and knowledge. Cook me, she says. knows how to make a difference based on Cook says she believes the diversity of thought and experiences amongher years of experience in leadership and the board to be a real value to their work. We all have shared values andher legal acumen.Annual Fund Exceeds Fiscal Year 2024 Goals$800K GOALThank you to our many generous UPSem donors! In Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) we exceeded our annual fund goal of $800,000.00 with a total of $828,412.26 raised. Compared to FY 2023 (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023) this is an impressive 22 percent increase. We couldnt have done it without YOUR bountiful support!ItseasytogivetoUPSemviaourwebsiteatwww.upsem.edu.FISCAL 23 24Todonateviacreditcard,lookfortheGIVEoptiononthehomeYEARpageon a desktop screen its located in red at the top right of the screen, and on mobile devices its located between the menu optionsAnnual Fund Resultsfor blog and accreditation about halfway down the menu list. YouFY23$642,515can make your contribution a recurring gift by checking the box beforeFY24$828,412choosing a designation. Sharon & Brook 2024 FALL ISSUE'