Succession Plan for LSTC Leadership

Beloved LSTC Community,

The President Search Committee is pleased to announce that three candidates have been invited to campus next month. The dates for these visits are as follows:

Each candidate will give a presentation in the Chapel (available via Zoom) on the first interview day from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The name of each candidate as well as the Zoom link for the presentation will be released a few days before each visit.

If you have questions for the President Search Committee, feel free to send an email to: presidentsearch@lstc.edu.

Faithfully yours,

Kristi Ferguson
Chair, Search Committee

Greg Lewis
Chair, LSTC Board of Directors

Beloved LSTC Community,

I am pleased to share an update on the progress of our presidential search. Since the Search Committee was appointed by the Board of Directors in October, we have held listening posts, formulated a prospectus identifying key criteria for our next president, and conducted interviews with seven highly qualified candidates. After an initial round of teleconference interviews in January, we narrowed the field to four candidates who best align with LSTC’s mission and vision for this position. The candidate pool represents ethnic and cultural diversity and each candidate has received transparent information about LSTC’s current status and health.

In March, we will be conducting a second round of interviews via teleconference. After these are complete, we anticipate selecting candidates for thorough background checks in preparation for on-campus visits. These on-campus visits will include community forums, providing an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to engage directly with them.

In April, we will hold these community forums and gather feedback to inform the Board of Directors’ ultimate decision. By May, the recommended candidate will meet with the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and the Board of Directors will finalize their selection and elect the next President of LSTC.

We deeply appreciate the community’s engagement and input throughout this process. Your voices are critical in shaping the future of LSTC, and we encourage your participation in the upcoming forums. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Faithfully yours,

Kristi Ferguson
Chair, Search Committee

Greg Lewis
Chair, LSTC Board of Directors

Beloved community, 

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we announce the appointment of Rev. Michael Cooper-White, M.Div., D.D. as Interim President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. With decades of leadership in theological education, the ELCA, and beyond, President Cooper-White brings a deep commitment to LSTC’s mission of forming visionary leaders for the church and the world. His experience as a seminary president, church leader, and educator makes him uniquely equipped to guide LSTC in this season of transition.

President Cooper-White, who will serve for up to six months while the search for a permanent appointment is finalized, was selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates recommended to LSTC by The Registry, a national interim executive firm. President Cooper-White has long admired LSTC’s spirit and mission, and he is eager to join our community, working alongside students, faculty, staff, board members, and supporters. “I am honored that the leaders of LSTC have invited me to serve as Interim President during an important season of transition. More than ever in these challenging times, our nation and the world need LSTC, its mission of forming visionary leaders who witness to the Good News, its vision of working for peace and justice, and its values and marks of ministry.” President Cooper-White will begin his service Monday, February 17, 2025.

Having served for 17 years as president of Gettysburg Seminary, President Cooper-White led efforts to establish the internationally renowned Seminary Ridge Museum and oversaw the historic merger that created United Lutheran Seminary. His recent work as Interim President at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, TX, further demonstrates his dedication to guiding institutions with wisdom and care. As we embark on this new chapter, we give thanks for his leadership and look forward to the months ahead.

Please join us in welcoming President Michael Cooper-White to the LSTC community!

Sincerely,

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Beloved LSTC Community,

On behalf of the LSTC Presidential Search Committee, we offer Grace and Peace to you as we begin a new year. This committee (listed below) has completed its initial review of applications and we have scheduled Zoom interviews with several qualified candidates to take place later this month and in early February. This phase continues to require a high level of confidentiality out of respect to the candidates and their current ministries. As we progress, we will continue to update you and identify opportunities for your engagement.

After completing all interviews, and acquiring significant background information, we will then invite the preferred candidates to meet with the community on campus. Following the on-campus visits, the committee will ask for specific feedback regarding each candidate. The Board of Directors will then make the final decision on the candidate who will be called to serve LSTC. 

We request that each of you continue to participate in this process. First, pray for this search process, for LSTC and for the candidates. Next, speak to members of the committee to share your ideas, dreams, hopes, concerns, and fears. Finally, participate in the public forums when the candidates come to campus and provide feedback when asked.

We’ll provide another update once the Zoom interviews have been completed.

Faithfully yours,

Kristi Ferguson
Chair, Search Committee

Greg Lewis
Chair, LSTC Board of Directors

Beloved LSTC Community,

As we continue the important work of identifying LSTC’s next president, the LSTC Interim Leadership Team has determined that appointing an interim president is a necessary and prudent step in our leadership transition process as President Nieman concludes his term of service on January 31, 2025. This decision, which was approved by the Board, reflects standard best practices in organizational transitions and ensures that LSTC remains steadfast in its operational success during this pivotal time.

Working in consultation with Bill Nelson of the Registry, a trusted organization specializing in interim leadership, we have carefully assessed the needs of our institution and community. The Executive Committee of the Board has developed a clear set of responsibilities and outcomes for the interim president to guide us through this transition period. These include providing consistent leadership, supporting our executive cabinet, and maintaining the momentum of our strategic plan.

Currently, we are partnering with the Registry to identify highly qualified candidates who align with LSTC’s mission and values. Once candidates are identified, the Board’s Interim Leadership Team will conduct a thorough review and interview process before making a final recommendation to the Board for approval. We will provide further updates when a final recommendation has been approved.

Appointing an interim president allows us to provide strong and visible leadership while ensuring that the Presidential Search Committee has the time needed to select a permanent president who will lead LSTC into its next chapter. This interim period is essential to maintaining continuity and supporting the needs of our students, faculty, and staff.

We are deeply committed to keeping the LSTC community informed throughout this process and to ensuring a seamless transition. Thank you for your support as we move forward with this important work.

With gratitude,

Maryjeanne Schaffmeyer
LSTC Board of Directors

Greg Lewis
LSTC Board of Directors

Beloved LSTC Community,

On behalf of the LSTC Presidential Search Committee, we offer Grace and Peace to you during this hopeful and expectant time of Advent. There is an obvious connection between Advent and this search process. The great hymn Toda la Tierra (All Earth is Hopeful) states it well: “Y el surco abierto, la obra del Creador” (Furrows lie open for God’s creative task). We pray that you share our excitement to see the results of God’s creative task in identifying the next president to lead LSTC into living out our powerful mission.

As committee members, charged by the LSTC Board of Directors with the task of identifying and reviewing candidates to become our next president, we plan to keep you informed throughout this process. This committee (listed below) encompasses a cross-section of our community and reflects our deeply-held community values. The initial phases of candidate review will involve a high level of confidentiality out of respect to the candidates and their current ministries. As we progress, we will update you and identify opportunities for your engagement.

The posting of the position description and institutional profile have been shared nationally through several professional and theological networks. We have received applications of interest from a diverse group of qualified candidates and we have been very encouraged by the response. Between now and early February, the committee will do initial screening and interviews of the candidates, with the goal of bringing a select number of candidates to campus for the community to meet. After the on-campus visits the committee will ask for specific feedback on each candidate. The Board of Directors will then make the final decision on the candidate who will be called to serve LSTC.

We encourage each of you to participate in this process. First, pray for this search process, for LSTC and for the candidates. Next, speak to members of the committee to share your ideas, dreams, hopes, concerns, and fears. Finally, participate in the public forums when the candidates come to campus and provide feedback when asked.

We’ll provide another update in early January.

Faithfully yours,

Kristi Ferguson
Chair, Search Committee

Greg Lewis
Chair, LSTC Board of Directors

The search for LSTC’s new president is now open. See the following links for detailed information about the application process.

• Position description
• Institutional profile
• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.