LSTC Welcomes New Leaders to the Community

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is pleased to welcome several new leaders and staff members to the community in 2026. Bringing experience across enrollment strategy, theological education, public scholarship, and student engagement, these colleagues will help strengthen LSTC’s ongoing work of forming leaders for the Church and the world.

Derek Brinkley Named Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Experience

Derek Brinkley will join LSTC as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Experience beginning June 1, 2026, after serving as an Enrollment Management Consultant for the seminary since January 2026.

Brinkley brings more than 15 years of experience in enrollment management, recruitment strategy, and student success within mission-driven institutions. Most recently, he served as Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Columbia College Chicago, where he led recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategy initiatives.

Prior to Columbia, Brinkley helped launch Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago, a two-year program designed to support low-income and first-generation students. He also held admissions and recruitment leadership roles at Xavier University and Mount St. Joseph University.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Brinkley lives in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago with his husband, Alexander, and their dogs, Parker and Gilbert.

Dr. Taurean J. Webb

Dr. Taurean J. Webb will work collaboratively with LSTC during the coming academic year on selected institutional, programmatic, instructional, and public-facing initiatives. His work will emphasize collaboration across a range of public-church and interfaith projects, while contributing to broader institutional initiatives throughout the year. This work will build on existing relationships and programming while also creating space for new partnerships.

LSTC looks forward to the leadership and vision these new colleagues will bring to the seminary community.