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Academic Dean Position Announcement

Payne Theological Seminary

Spring 2008

Payne Theological Seminary, the oldest free-standing fully accredited African American Seminary in the country, seeks an Academic Dean.  Payne Theological Seminary is situated in Wilberforce, Ohio, in the rolling hills of Southwest Ohio.  Payne was established by mandate of the ruling bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1844.  Its mission is to prepare individuals seeking to serve their respective communities in a variety of areas of ministry --- focusing on the history, needs, beliefs and expectations of persons and groups whose heritage has been forged in the African American experience.

The Academic Dean at Payne Theological Seminary will have earned a Master of Divinity degree and a doctoral degree from an accredited college, seminary or university; or the Academic Dean will have an earned doctorate in Theological Studies or Pastoral Care and Counseling.  The Academic Dean will be responsible for the development, sustenance and supervision of the academic programs, with special attention to our Master of Divinity degrees, both residential and online.  The Dean will oversee existing partnerships, the Doctor of Ministry program, the OnLine Program and will supervise the Library, the Offices of Admission, Registration, and Financial Aid.  Payne Theological Seminary is seeking expertise, education and experience in the particular areas of Theology and Practical Theology/Pastoral Care and Counseling.  The Dean will be expected to teach in one of those content areas and to lend guidance and support to our recruitment program.  In an era of program and curriculum transformation, the Dean will be our chief learning officer, s/he will demonstrate and model a commitment to 21^st century instructional design methodologies, as well as various evaluation models and assessment tools.  The Dean will provide leadership to the institution in the absence of the President.

Key Elements and Characteristics Being Sought

We have attached for your information a copy of the position description for the Academic Dean post at Payne Theological Seminary.  All of the information included we believe to be most important and most valuable for your reflection.  Yet, it is critical that the individual who ultimately fills the Dean position possess characteristics and traits that reflect the special ethos that is Payne.  So as you consider recommending individuals for the Academic Dean position and as you reflect on the position description, please consider the traits/characteristics that follow as primary descriptors.

1.                             The Academic Dean at Payne Theological Seminary will have a commitment to Liberation Theology.

2.                             The Academic Dean will have a love for and a commitment to Jesus, the Christ, the head of the Church.

3.                             The Academic Dean will demonstrate a love for local church.

4.                             The Academic Dean will be able to multi-task with little effort.

5.                             The Academic Dean will be a younger scholar looking to learn, grow and exercise his/her skills and abilities.

6.                             The Academic Dean will be able to commit to the special institution that is Payne Theological Seminary.

Individuals interested in being considered for the Academic Dean position at Payne Theological Seminary are encouraged to send a full curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to the President of the institution, Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Payne Theological Seminary, P. O. Box 474, Wilberforce, Ohio  45384-0474.  Review of applications has already begun and will continue until the position is filled.