| Hood Theological Seminary... A Message from the President |
 A Message from the President of Hood Theological Seminary
Greetings faithful friends, steadfast supporters, active alumni, and committed colleagues. One year ago, I wrote to you as President Elect/CEO, but it is now my distinct honor to officially greet you as the Second President of Hood Theological Seminary (HTS). As the new president of the Seminary, I am inspired by the spiritual assertion from Revelation 21: 5 – “Behold, I make all things new.” At our one-day Annual Faculty-Staff Retreat, we focused on “The Joy of Teaching for Effectiveness in Ministry.” We initiated a new school calendar and new strategic emphases. I have invited our learning community to share my vision: An enlivened faculty, staff and administration; an enriched and excited student body; an active and engaged Alumni Association; and an expanded institutional capacity. We also invite you to join us in this new journey forward! Hood continues to be a place of rich intellectual exploration, deep spiritual formation and enriching fellowship, community collaboration, and genuine hospitality. In November, the Seminary received positive news from the Religion Program of the Lilly Foundation regarding our grant proposal for the Endowment’s Initiative to Strengthen Fundraising in Historic African-American Theological Schools. In June 2014, the University Senate of the United Methodist Church took action to re-approve HTS for teaching and training United Methodist clergy. In the area of enrollment, I am pleased to report that Fall 2014 student admissions reflected a significant increase, exceeding the results of the last couple of years. The Seminary now has a Comprehensive Recruitment and Retention Plan. In this regard, we have moved the student computer center into the library. Moreover, with the generous financial support of Trustee Board member, Mrs. Sarah Cook, the Seminary completed a plan to create a Writing Center. In August 2014, the Writing Center/Learning Commons was opened. Students are excited about this new campus resource and space to support their academic studies. To enhance this academic resource, our Development Office received the great news in September 2014 that the Lutheran Synod had awarded HTS a grant to purchase new computers for the library. The Fall semester was especially busy as we experienced a wonderfully exciting Presidential Inauguration on October 2nd, the Bishop Ruben L. Speaks Lecture Series on October 2nd and 3rd, and the meeting of the Board of Trustees on October 3rd. The Speaks Lecture Series featured Dr. Douglas Meeks, Cal Turner Chancellor Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, and Director, United Methodist Programs at Vanderbilt University. His lectures were entitled – “Wesley, Sanctification, and the Coming Revival” and “Wesley, Poverty, and Civic Discipline.” ”The Seminary has been active in the community. Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you…plans to give you hope... With blessing for health, wellness, and peace in 2015, I remain, In sincere appreciation, Vergel L. Lattimore President |
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