LSTC Welcomes Interim President Michael Cooper-White

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Michael Cooper-White, M.Div., D.D. as Interim President. A seasoned leader in theological education and church ministry, President Cooper-White brings decades of experience as a pastor, administrator, and seminary president. President Cooper-White was selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates recommended to LSTC by The Registry, a national interim executive firm. His tenure, which is currently contracted for up to six months, will help guide LSTC through this important season of transition while strengthening the seminary’s mission of forming visionary leaders for the church and world. Meanwhile, a search for the next permanently appointed president, led by the LSTC Board of Directors, is being finalized.  

“I am honored that the leaders of LSTC have invited me to serve as Interim President during an important season of transition,” said President Cooper-White. “Having long admired the school’s spirit and mission, I am eager to share the journey with LSTC’s students, faculty, staff, board members, and many supporters. More than ever in these challenging times, our nation and the world need LSTC, its mission of forming visionary leaders who bear 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 on February 17, 2025.

President Cooper-White’s extensive career includes 17 years as president of Gettysburg Seminary, where he helped establish the internationally renowned Seminary Ridge Museum and played a key role in merging the institution with the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia to create United Lutheran Seminary. More recently, he served as Interim President at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. His leadership spans congregational ministry, denominational governance, and theological education at the highest levels.

In addition to his academic and church leadership, President Cooper-White is an accomplished writer, having authored five books and numerous articles on theology, leadership, and administration. He is also an experienced pilot and flight instructor. He and his wife, Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, reside in Gettysburg and share a passion for education and ministry.

We are excited to welcome President Cooper-White to the LSTC community and look forward to his leadership in the months ahead. Please join us in extending a warm welcome!