b'4 FacultyUPSem Welcomes Two New VPs THE GARGOYLE SPEAKSProfessor Carson BrissonDr. Lee Hinson-HastyDr. Shawn Oliver VP for Advancement VP for Strategic & Institutional EffectivenessIn his new role at Union PresbyterianDr. Shawn Oliver has returned to the land Seminary, Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty isof sweet tea and grits, and she couldnt be returning to his roots while growing newhappier. Raised in Mississippi, she spent branches.HesaysrelocatingtoNorth18 years in Ohio and the last 12-plus Carolina from Kentucky is like comingyearsinNewJerseybeforerelocating home. Its where he was born, baptized,to Richmond in April to become part of and attended college, and it is now wherethe Union Presbyterian Seminary family. hiswife,Dr.ElizabethHinson-Hasty,Truth be told, theres a lot more than the is an UPSem professor. Although he isSouthern cuisine thats been making her based at the Charlotte campus, Richmondsmile since her arrival.is becoming a home away from home,Imenjoyingworkingwiththe thanks to the embrace of the UPSem family, which he says has shaped andpresident and the leadership team because of the gifts they bring to cared for him throughout his lifeincluding in ways hes still discovering.enriching the campus, says Oliver, remarking on how welcoming and Its also because their daughter, Emmeline, is a new University of Richmondkind the UPSem community has been. Shes also relishing being back in Spider on the field hockey team. While their son, Garrison, stayed ina Southern culture grounded in graciousness, where the pace is a little Cleveland, Ohio, after graduating from Case Western Reserve University,more relaxed.everyone is happy that Charlotte is now a direct flight away. Oliver began her work by zeroing in on infrastructure issues to best Hinson-Hasty says that since he started work on August 1, hes hadsupport the work of the Leadership Institute and the Seminarys four the joy of making new discoveries every daymost notably the gratitudeCenters. Attention to Information Technology will also be a priority. Oliver abundant at UPSem. Its been a gratitude tour, noticing the generositysays that technology should enhance UPSems capabilities rather than be a here and the investment people make in the institution with wisdom andbarrier to progress. Her role requires involvement in a range of activities, influence, he says. People are giving over and above and in multiple ways.from assessment and accreditation to community and hospitality initiatives.I find myself thanking them, and yet over and over I am receiving moreIn short, her job is about systems efficiency. She says shes most excited because I am the witness of generous, loving people. about determining how all the pieces of UPSem will fit together across the Hinson-Hasty aims to re-envision what advancement means, expandinginstitution to support and build forward momentum.it to create a cultural shift. Im hopeful about what the future has to bringTheres a lot of change going on right now, and its heartening that and want to help Union be ready for it, he says. I dont know what that is,people seem open to it, says Oliver. This readiness for change is due but God knows. Its something we havent even imagined yet. Im here toto Jacqs leadership and the spirit she brought to UPSem. The openness help build the infrastructure to accept those things God is up to within us. people have for new ideas and new ways of doing things will certainly be Referencing American theologian Howard Thurmans words, Dont askhelpful to me in my role.what the world needs; ask what makes you come alive and go do it, Hinson-Hasty says, Thats the job Im up to. I want to help people and the community come alive. Thats what the world needs, and thats what God needs.How Well Do You Know What the UPSem Library Does?Rather than list everything the Union Presbyterian Seminary library does do, in the interest of word count, its better to list what it doesnt do, because that answer is simple: Theres almost nothing the library doesnt do. Here are some highlights to give you an idea of how extraordinary our UPSem library is:Want to create a video or podcast? Both campus libraries have studios in a bag for checkout, complete with webcam, tripod, studio lights, and a good microphoneeverything you need to make you look and sound like a professional!Writing a sermon or Bible study for your church? Both libraries offer access to the Oxford Bibliographies Online Biblical Studies database, providing information on the most up-to-date books and articles about specific books and ideas.Have accessibility needs?Need a quiet space to study? The libraries on both campuses have dedicated computer stations for thoseRichmond students in all degree programs can request a lockable library who are blind or visually impaired, or have learning or reading disabilities.carrel that no one can access but themfor the duration of a project, for The library can help identify assistive tools in many of its e-books anda semester, or for a full academic year.databases, including tools that read text aloud, increase font size, and offerBut wait, theres more! Special exhibits and special events; sermon options for closed captioning. collections and technology how-to workshops; e-journals and online Need help prepping for the Ordination exam?databases; childrens collections; audio books; academic publications by The library has the resources you need to study at home or on site inUPSem faculty, alumni, and staff; a Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game both Charlotte and Richmond. Plus, for extra credit, it offers a live Zoomgroup; and even time to learn and make arts and crafts. Theres more at review session. the library to check out than just booksvisit on campus or online at https://library.upsem.edu today!Sharon & Brook 2024 FALL ISSUE'