November Board Meeting Welcomes New Members and Marks a Time of Transition
The November Board Meeting of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, which took place from November 7-9, 2024, marked a significant time of transition, with new members joining the institution at a pivotal moment for strategic growth. This meeting, which marked President Nieman’s final board meeting and which included the formal installation of new members, highlighted LSTC’s commitment to thoughtful governance and visionary planning as it continues to advance its mission in theological education and social justice.
New Members Oriented to Mission and Strategic Priorities
The November meeting convened with newly installed board members joining returning members to engage in an orientation designed to immerse them in LSTC’s mission, priorities, and governance structure.
The newly approved voting members are:
- Paul Erbes, Western Iowa Synod
- Joseph Falese, Metropolitan Chicago Synod
- Stacie Fidlar, ELCA Region 5
- Preston Fields, Northern Illinois Synod
- Greg Kaufmann, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
- Mercy Ndosi-Shoo, Nebraska Synod
- Larry Tietjen, ELCA at large
- Patricia Cornelius Woods, ELCA at large
Additionally, LSTC faculty member Dr. Christian Scharen, Associate Professor and Gordon Braatz Chair of Worship, was added as a newly selected advisory member of the Board.
The November gathering served as their introduction to LSTC’s dynamic vision, as they met with committees, learned about the institution’s strategic plans, and participated in discussions on current and future initiatives.
The orientation was carefully structured to provide the new members with an understanding of LSTC’s ongoing projects and the goals of each standing committee: Academics and Community, Marketing and Fundraising, Finance and Operations, and Governance. New members were introduced to the board’s collaborative approach to advancing LSTC’s mission.
Areas of Ideological Focus: Centering LSTC Values
Following the installation of new board members, President Nieman led an introductory conversation calling on our community, considering leadership transitions taking place on national, local, and institutional levels, to reaffirm our sacred concern for the vulnerable among us. President Nieman structured this call to action around five areas of focus:
- Care and Advocacy
- Witness and Engagement
- Mission and Formation
- Idolatry and Enthrallment
- Wisdom and Hope
President Nieman staunchly supported our community’s continued advocacy for those on the margins, for committing to truth-telling in the face of social and political hardships, for securing both practical and spiritual support for students, for publicly defending the civil rights of those unfairly or unjustly acted upon, and for maintaining our faithful culture and voice in light of opposition. Most importantly, President Nieman underscored that our institution’s commitment to grace, trust, and truth remains strong and faithful in these times, and always.
Focus on Strategic Planning and Financial Sustainability
A major highlight of the meeting was the review of LSTC’s strategic planning efforts. Board members received an overview of the completed 2021-2024 Strategic Plan “For Such a Time as This,” as well as an introduction to the new to-be-named 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which is set to guide the seminary through the coming years. These strategic plans reflect LSTC’s response to evolving challenges and its commitment to sustainable growth and community impact.
The Finance and Operations Committee presented a comprehensive financial update, covering LSTC’s investment strategies and an expense reduction plan designed to enhance operational efficiency. New board members were invited to engage in these critical discussions, gaining insights into the financial sustainability efforts essential to LSTC’s future resilience.
Introduction to the Office of Enterprise Innovation
Newly appointed VP for Enterprise Innovation Keisha Dyson presented a detailed plan for the launch of asynchronous learning programs through LSTC’s emerging Project Starling initiative first presented one year ago. Dyson introduced the new Office for Enterprise Innovation (OEI), articulated the purpose and vision of the office, discussed the future of programmatic initiatives, branding, public relations, and the future staffing of the office. The OEI will expand LSTC’s reach through digital programs, offer new support for instructors, and provide new ways for LSTC to support spiritual formation within our community.
Emphasis on Leadership Transitions and Succession Planning
The November 2024 meeting also focused on significant transitions in LSTC’s leadership. With Greg Lewis and Mark Bartusch elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively, the board celebrated this new chapter of leadership, signaling confidence in their guidance. Additionally, the presidential succession process was reviewed, with updates from the Search and Transition Committees on the careful planning involved in selecting LSTC’s next leader.
These transitions reflect LSTC’s commitment to ensuring continuity and a deliberate approach to leadership. New members were encouraged to contribute to the succession planning discussions, underscoring the importance of shared governance and a smooth transfer of leadership.
Building Connections through Informal Engagement
To foster collegiality and a sense of belonging, the meeting included several informal gatherings, where new and current members could connect over shared goals and values. Evening receptions and group conversations provided a relaxed setting for board members to strengthen relationships and reflect on the collective impact they aim to achieve for LSTC.
The November board meeting underscored LSTC’s forward-looking vision and the importance of strong, engaged leadership. With the addition of new members and a renewed strategic focus, LSTC is well-positioned to navigate this time of transition with resilience and purpose.
Approved Board Actions
Significant actions were taken to advance academic excellence, operational efficiency, and financial transparency. The Board approved the president’s nomination of Dr. Linda Thomas as the Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Professor of Theology and Anthropology. The Finance and Operations Committee received delegated authority to finalize and publish the Fiscal Year 2026 Tuition, Fee, and Housing Schedules by January 31, 2025, and to affirm the 2025 Clergy Housing Allowances for ordained faculty and staff. The Board further approved a motion entrusting James Nieman, Greg Lewis, and Larry Tietjen to establish an Apartment Asset Evaluation Task Force of the Board, based upon analysis provided by the Finance and Operations Committee. The task force, in consultation with the committee, will study the needs of the institution to determine what the short-and long-term plan should be for use of this asset and to make a recommendation for optimizing institutional resources for consideration at the February board meeting. Additionally, the Board renewed specific officers as signatories for LSTC’s financial agreements, including the President, Vice President of Finance and Operations, Vice President for Advancement, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enterprise Innovation, and Treasurer, with an instruction to review and potentially update signatory practices prior to the next authorized update.