As we embark on this significant journey of leadership transition at LSTC, this website serves as your central hub for all information related to our succession plan. Our goal is to keep the entire LSTC community informed, engaged, and involved throughout this important process.
New! President Search Now Open
The search for LSTC’s new president is now open. See the following links for detailed information about the application process.
To nominate a candidate, please send an email to presidentsearch@lstc.edu with the following information:
Your name and email address
Candidate’s name and email address
If you have questions, please send an email to presidentsearch@lstc.edu. Thank you for helping us get the word out about the position.
Letter from Kristi Ferguson: Invitation to Participate in the Presidential Search Committee | 9.4.24
Dear LSTC Community,
As announced by Terry Goff, Chair of the LSTC Board of Directors, the search for the next President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is officially underway. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Presidential Search Committee alongside LSTC Board members Bishop Yehiel Curry and Paul Erbes. We are committed to ensuring a thorough and inclusive process to identify the best leader for our seminary.
Throughout this search, there will be various opportunities for engagement and input from the entire LSTC community. Your participation is vital, and we encourage everyone to take part in the process, whether by joining the Search Committee, contributing to Community Voice Focus Groups, or providing open feedback.
Interested in Joining the Presidential Search Committee?
The Presidential Search Committee will consist of members from the LSTC Board, as well as faculty, staff, students, and alumni. To maintain confidentiality and flexibility, the committee will be limited to fewer than ten members and requires a significant time committment. If you are interested in serving on this important committee, please submit your nomination through the form available on our presidential search page at lstc.edu/president. Nominations will be accepted until September 18th.
Community Voice Focus Groups
While the Board of Directors holds the ultimate responsibility for the final selection of our next President, the perspectives of our broader LSTC community are invaluable. To ensure we gather comprehensive feedback, we are partnering with Matt Trainum, a trusted collaborator with LSTC, to facilitate Community Voice Focus Groups. These sessions will focus on identifying the qualities and attributes our next leader should possess. We strongly encourage you to participate in these discussions, which will be scheduled shortly.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
In addition to the focus groups, we welcome ongoing feedback through an open form available on our presidential search page. Your insights and suggestions are crucial, and I will personally review all submissions to ensure your voices are heard. You can also email me directly at PresidentSearch@lstc.edu.
Thank you for your dedication to LSTC and for your willingness to engage in this essential process. Your contributions are key to shaping the future of our seminary, and I look forward to your active participation.
Warm regards,
Kristi Ferguson Chair, Presidential Search Committee Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Purpose of the Website
This platform is designed to provide transparent updates and details about the ongoing search for LSTC’s next president. Here, you will find announcements, timelines, and information on how you can participate in shaping the future of LSTC. Whether it’s through attending listening sessions, learning about the search committee, or understanding the steps in our succession plan, this website ensures that you are connected every step of the way.
The Importance of Leadership Transition
Leadership transitions are pivotal moments in the life of any institution. At LSTC, this transition is more than just a change in leadership; it is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the values that define us. As we honor the remarkable legacy of President Nieman, we also look ahead with hope and determination, ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges. The next leader of LSTC will carry forward our mission of preparing leaders for ministry in a world that is constantly evolving. This transition is a time for reflection, growth, and setting a course for an even brighter future.
We invite you to stay informed, get involved, and be part of this historic moment for LSTC.
President Nieman’s Retirement Announcement
Read more about President Nieman’s announced retirement here.
The Succession Plan
LSTC Succession Process
The LSTC succession process is designed to ensure a smooth and orderly transition in the Office of the President. Recognizing that leadership changes are a natural part of any organization’s lifecycle, the LSTC Board of Directors created a plan that provides a comprehensive framework for managing such transitions. This process emphasizes the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and strategic planning to maintain stability and continuity during leadership changes. The LSTC Board of Directors oversees the entire process, ensuring that all steps are taken with careful consideration of the institution’s mission, values, and the needs of its diverse community.
Key Elements of the Succession Process:
Board Oversight: The LSTC Board of Directors is responsible for managing the transition process, including the selection of the new President, whether through internal or external search processes.
Diverse Candidate Consideration: A search will be conducted, encouraging applications from candidates who reflect the diversity within LSTC.
Transparent Communication: The Board Chair ensures that non-confidential information is shared with the LSTC community throughout the transition, keeping everyone informed and engaged.
Planned and Unplanned Departures: The policy covers both planned and unplanned departures, outlining steps for interim leadership, search committee formation, and onboarding of the new President.
Role of the Outgoing President: The outgoing President plays a key role in mentoring the incoming leader and ensuring a smooth transition, including preparing a transition syllabus that outlines responsibilities, goals, and achievements.
Who is responsible for overseeing the presidential succession process?
The LSTC Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the entire succession process, from the selection of the new President to ensuring a smooth transition.
Will LSTC consider both internal and external candidates for the presidency?
Yes, LSTC is open to considering both internal and external candidates. A search will be conducted, and candidates who represent the diversity of the LSTC community will be encouraged to apply.
How will the LSTC community be informed about the transition process?
This platform is designed to provide transparent updates and details about the ongoing search for LSTC’s next president. Here, you will find announcements, timelines, and information on how you can participate in shaping the future of LSTC.
What role does the outgoing President play in the transition?
The outgoing President is responsible for working with the Board to ensure a smooth transition. This includes mentoring the incoming President, preparing a transition syllabus, and participating in the orientation process.
How does the search committee operate in the succession process?
The search committee, appointed by the Board, conducts a thorough assessment of LSTC’s needs, creates a position description, and manages the candidate selection process. This may involve working with a consulting agency or conducting the search internally.
How long does the succession process typically take?
If possible, the outgoing President provides 9-12 months’ notice. The process of selecting a new President, including any interim leadership, is guided by the specific timeline and situational needs as determined by the Board.
Will there be opportunities for the LSTC community to provide input during the succession process?
Yes, the succession policy includes provisions for gathering input from faculty, staff, students, and other constituents to help shape the profile and selection of the next President.
How is the new President introduced to the LSTC community?
The Board and outgoing President work together to ensure a comprehensive onboarding process, including introductions to key constituents, logistical support, and a thorough orientation to the role.
We Value Your Input
As we navigate this important leadership transition at LSTC, your voice is essential to our process. We encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns using the feedback form below. Whether you have ideas about the qualities you’d like to see in our next President, suggestions for the transition process, or general feedback, your input will guide us in making decisions that reflect the values and needs of our entire community.
