Bethany Seminary begins its search for a new president.

Bethany Seminary’s Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee have begun inviting inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of president of the seminary. President Ruthann Knechel Johansen has announced her plans to retire from the position on June 30 next year. Located in Richmond, Ind., Bethany Theological Seminary is the graduate school and academy for theological education for the Church of the Brethren.

Following is the full announcement:

The Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary and its Presidential Search Committee invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of president, succeeding Ruthann Knechel Johansen who is retiring June 30, 2013. The new president will assume office in July 2013.

The seminary seeks a president who carries knowledge of theological education, a passion for teaching and research, and a deep love for Christ and the church, bringing a vision for Bethany’s future. He/she should possess a terminal degree (either a Ph.D. or a D.Min.), and strong skills in administration, communication, cooperative leadership, and fundraising, as well as the ability to engage others in effective planning and implementation of priorities.

Founded in 1905, Bethany Theological Seminary is a graduate school that seeks to equip spiritual and intellectual leaders with an incarnational education for ministering, proclaiming, and living out God’s shalom and Christ’s peace in the church and world. Bethany’s educational program bears witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren in the context of the whole Christian tradition. Set in partnership with Earlham School of Religion and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Bethany embodies ecumenical cooperation in the Anabaptist and Pietist tradition, and innovation in programming, curriculum design, and economic stewardship. Bethany is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Review of applications will begin this summer and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested individuals should provide a letter outlining their interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for five references.

Applications and nominations may be submitted electronically or by mail to: Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Chair, Presidential Search Committee, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374-4019; presidentialsearch@bethanyseminary.edu.

For more information about Bethany Theological Seminary, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu.

Source:6/28/2012 Newsline