Degree Program

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology

Students in this program plan to make public theology (i.e., theology serving the common good) a significant part of their ministry, whether or not they seek ordination. Dual degrees graduates may serve as pastors and/or workers in various forms of public ministry, including advocacy work for causes such as those related to public policy, ecological concerns, economic justice, gender issues,…

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News

Katie Geneva Cannon Scholarship Fund merit scholarship available

The Katie Geneva Cannon Scholarship Fund awards a merit scholarship to an incoming degree-seeking woman of African descent enrolled in the Th.M. program (Richmond campus) or M.Div., M.A.C.E., or dual programs (Richmond and Charlotte campuses) who demonstrates strong academic achievement and shows genuine promise for womanist leadership that is dedicated to transforming the academy, the church, and the community. Scholarships…

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2023 African American Preaching Series

…have indeed preached! Ayesha Edwards is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in Christian education and public theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is a lifelong learner and educator whose commitment is spreading the message of Jesus Christ while advocating and engaging in matters of social justice. For her, these commitments are one and the same. Her primary interests include…

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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Giving Back by Allison Weaver and Dr. Helen Bessent Byrd (M.Div.’07)

…took notice because, in a world that wanted to take everything from him, he stood with open hands. Very rarely, if ever, does a selfish man or woman leave such a positive mark on the world. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The cares and priorities of…

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Former trustee Anne E. Treichler remembered

Union Presbyterian Seminary has recently learned of the passing in Naples, Florida, of Anne E. Treichler, former trustee and member of the President’s Advisory Council. She served on numerous committees at Presbyterian Woman, presbytery, seminary, and PCUSA Pension Board. Mrs. Treichler, 92, was a life-long member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Her love of theology prompted her to establish the Anne…

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Dr. Rachel Baard’s new book argues for feminist critique and retrieval of sin-talk

…from Princeton Theological Seminary, and she received her BA in Law, BTh (MDiv equivalent), and MTh in Theological Ethics from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Her research areas include systematic and constructive theology, theological ethics, and feminist and political theologies. ### book cover image Rachel Baard photo MEDIA CONTACT Mike Frontiero Director of Communications Union Presbyterian Seminary mfrontiero@upsem.edu…

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Yale theology, Africana studies professor explores race, place and hope of the church at Sprunt lectures

…is everything. We Christians are struggling to catch up to a God-made-flesh.’ “In his commentary on Acts 15, Jennings writes ‘How can peoples be joined together, truly joined together without loss, without the death of one (people’s ways) for the sake of the other? Segregation has been history’s, and Christianity’s, default way of dealing with difference.’” “The question we need…

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Seminary Luncheon at Massanetta Bible Conference

Thirty-five alumni and friends gathered for a UPSem luncheon on Thursday, July 25, 2019 during the annual Bible Conference at Massanetta Springs, in Harrisonburg, VA. Dr. John Carroll was guest speaker at the luncheon. Carroll is the Harriet Robertson Fitts Memorial Professor of New Testament. His address focused on “Jesus and the other Abrahamic Faiths: Common Ground and Sticking Points.”…

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Dr. Paul Galbreath publishes book on process of change in Christian worship

…that responds to key issues in our contemporary lives. Galbreath is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). His previous books include “Leading from the Table” (2008); “Leading through the Water” (2011); and “Leading into the World” (2014). ### Book cover image Paul Galbreath photo Contact: Mike Frontiero Director of Communications Union Presbyterian Seminary mfrontiero@upsem.edu…

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Deje Vu! Say It Again! by Rev. Sandra Caldwell-Williams (Dual M.Div./M.A.C.E.’06)

…mind, and spirit of the redeemed. “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of the body, that is the church.” (Col. 1:24 NRSV). One of my sistah-friends reminded me to read it and I want to share how my spirit digested…

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Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon Legacy Luncheon in Norfolk, VA

Come celebrate the life and gifts of Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 11 am – 1 pm. First Presbyterian Church, 820 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, Virginia 23507. Our Keynote Speaker is Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk- “Tell Your Own Story” . Dr. Delk is the First African American Woman to be ordained as clergy in the United…

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Susan Hickok, first Charlotte campus employee, former associate VP, dies

…in interior design from Central Piedmont Community College. Mrs. Hickok was a lifetime member and Elder Emerita of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Susan co-founded the Stephen Ministry program at Covenant, providing care and counsel to those in need, and led the program for a decade. Music was central to Susan’s life. She joined the Covenant choir at age 14 and sang…

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Dr. Robin McCall Named Seminary Librarian

…in 1812). “We are thankful for Robin and her leadership,” said President Brian Blount. “Her education and experience are an ideal combination for the essential job of Seminary Librarian.” The William Smith Morton Library at Union Presbyterian Seminary offers more than 290,000 physical titles and more than 350,000 eBook titles. It has been recognized as one of the best theological…

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Jane Towner, wife of former professor Sib Towner, dies

RICHMOND, VA (March 2, 2020) — Jane M. Towner, educator, conservation advocate, lifelong Northern Neck community leader, and wife of former Union Presbyterian Seminary Emeritus Professor of Old Testament W. Sibley “Sib” Towner, has died. She was 81. Towner is responsible for numerous environmental and historical preservation efforts near her home in Kilmarnock, Virginia. She also was a founding officer…

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Emeritus Professor Lamar Williamson Jr. dies

…Born on July 24, 1926, Lamar was a missionary, teacher, scholar, pastor, activist and friend who served the church and the world God so loved with a marvelous compassion and persistence. Please hold his children Ruth Simmons, Martha, Fred, and Allen Williamson in your prayers, as you give thanks for this good and faithful servant. Photo provided by April Swofford….

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Professor Charles E. Brown announces retirement

…in celebrating his many contributions to our seminary, the students he has taught, and the church he has served over the course of his ministry.” Brown’s students honored him at a private celebration in Richmond Hall. Dr. Brown helped Union groundskeeper Mike Hughes mow the Quad in 2016. ### Contacts: Mike Frontiero Director of Communications Union Presbyterian Seminary mfrontiero@upsem.edu  …

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