Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan Named President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has announced the appointment of Dr. Shauna Hannan as its eighth president. Hannan, a respected theological educator and leader, will officially begin her tenure on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Hannan, the first woman appointed president of the institution, brings decades of experience in theological education, pastoral formation, and public church leadership. She most recently served as Professor of Homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, and as core doctoral faculty at the Graduate Theological Union, where she taught and mentored students across doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs. Her appointment marks a new chapter for LSTC as the seminary deepens its commitment to equipping leaders for ministry, service, and theological engagement in an increasingly complex world.

“I’ve been paying close attention to LSTC for the entirety of my ministry,” said Hannan. “This is due in no small part to what its alums are doing in the world as the church.”

Hannan’s vision for leadership is rooted in accessibility and collaboration. “I’ve come to believe that theological education is for all who desire theological education,” she shared. “We want to broker spaces for inquiry—whether you’re pursuing a degree, exploring faith for the first time, or asking questions about church, scripture, or community.”

In addition to traditional academic programs, LSTC is expanding its reach through initiatives like Project Starling, which offers flexible, accessible learning opportunities for individuals and communities beyond the seminary’s walls and speaks directly to Dr. Hannan’s vision for more accessible theological education for all.

As LSTC looks to the future, Hannan emphasizes the importance of partnerships across the ELCA, the global church, and the broader ecumenical community even as she affirms the seminary’s Hyde Park location and its place within Chicago’s rich, complex fabric.

At the heart of her leadership philosophy is hospitality and a commitment to fostering belonging. “My hope is that from the first moment of inquiry to graduation and beyond, every student experiences LSTC as a place that sees them, values them, and walks alongside them in their journey,” Hannan said.

Hannan also underscored the vital role of alumni, donors, and partners in LSTC’s ongoing mission. “The church needs this seminary. The world needs this seminary. And we need one another to ensure its future.”

A recognized preacher, scholar, and leader, Dr. Hannan succeeds Dr. James Nieman, who led LSTC through a period of significant transition, including the seminary’s recent move to its new, ecumenically collaborative Hyde Park campus. The seminary community welcomes Dr. Hannan with gratitude and optimism as LSTC continues to form leaders for the church and world.

About the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) is a leading institution of theological education and a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Located in the heart of Chicago, LSTC forms visionary leaders who are rooted in the gospel, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to serve in diverse ministry contexts around the world. Through its degree programs, certificate offerings, and innovative initiatives like Project Starling, LSTC equips students for transformative ministry, public leadership, and lifelong faith formation. Learn more at www.lstc.edu.