Rector and Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, invites nominations and applications for the role of Rector and Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, with an anticipated appointment beginning Summer 2027.

The next Rector and Dean will assume leadership at a consequential and promising moment in the life of both the Seminary and the University. As one of seven seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and one of only three embedded ELCA seminaries within a broader university, Trinity occupies a distinctive place in theological education.

The Rector and Dean will help define and communicate a compelling vision for Trinity's future - one deeply rooted in Lutheran theology and the formation of leaders for Christ's church while responsive to changing patterns of ministry, theological education, and congregational life. The leader will be called to strengthen sustainable enrollment, nurture a culture of formation and belonging, advance innovative and accessible approaches to theological education, deepen relationships across the ELCA and broader church, and expand Trinity's public witness and external visibility.

As Trinity's chief executive and administrative leader, the Rector and Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as an active leader within Capital University. The successful candidate will bring theological depth, pastoral credibility, academic judgment, strategic imagination, and relational strength and will be able to work effectively at the intersection of church, university, community, and vocation.

A full position prospectus, including information about Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capital University, Columbus, institutional resources, governance, and the complete leadership agenda, is available on the Capital University website.

The next Rector and Dean will be called to advance the following priorities:

Articulate a clear and compelling vision for what it means for Trinity to flourish as a seminary of the ELCA, a graduate theological school in a changing landscape, and an integral part of Capital University. The Rector and Dean will honor Trinity's Lutheran heritage while helping shape a future responsive to the needs of the church and theological education.

Cultivate a community marked by trust, spiritual depth, academic rigor, belonging, and shared purpose. The Rector and Dean will understand formation as central to Trinity's mission and support worship, spiritual practice, mentoring, vocational discernment, leadership development, and pastoral care.

Lead the development of thoughtful and creative enrollment strategies responsive to changing pathways into ministry and the evolving needs of church leaders and learners. This includes strengthening degree programs while considering certificates, non-degree opportunities, lifelong learning, ecumenical audiences, and new pathways into theological education.

Guide the development of accessible and responsive models of theological education, including hybrid and flexible formats, continuing education, interdisciplinary programs, certificates, partnerships, and other pathways that extend Trinity's reach while preserving the depth and integrity of theological formation.

Lead Trinity as an integral part of Capital University, building partnerships across academic and administrative areas and contributing to the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural life of the institution. Opportunities include collaboration in vocation, ethics, community engagement, spiritual life, social work, law, business, music, humanities, and other areas.

Strengthen Trinity's role as a visible theological voice within the University, the church, Columbus, and beyond. The Rector and Dean will support ecumenical and interfaith engagement, continuing education, community partnerships, public theological reflection, and engagement with questions of justice, ethics, vocation, leadership, and civic life.

Exercise responsible stewardship of Trinity's people, programs, relationships, and resources. The Rector and Dean will engage actively in…