Announcements
Seminary professor’s new book examines the disconnect between Black freedom fighters and their white allies
When Eastern Mennonite Seminary Professor David Evans set out to write his book about religious white progressives in the fight for Black freedom, he didn’t expect that his main thesis would flip by nearly 180 degrees. But after seven years of research and writing, Damned Whiteness: How White Christian Allies Failed the Black Freedom Movement is just weeks away from publication. The book offers an unflinching history of white allies—namely Clarence Jordan, Dorothy Day, and Ralph Templin—and the fracturing relationships that followed when their strategies and philosophies didn’t align with Black leaders and communities.
A special 500th anniversary edition of Mennonite History and Thought!
Historian Mary Sprunger and theologian Andrew Suderman team up to offer a special interdisciplinary course in 2025 to commemorate how five centuries of this “Radical Reformation” have shaped personal and communal faith; identity; economic practice; response to persecution, war and nationalism; migration patterns; missions past and present; food history; higher education; and much more. If you have ever asked any of the following questions, we invite you to join us for an exploration of the beliefs, histories and cultures of Mennonites around the world (you don’t need to be Mennonite):
Meet the new divisional deans
Two deans with extensive leadership experience have been appointed to lead the academic divisions, with both officially beginning their roles on July 1, 2025. The Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, former associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, serves as dean for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences division. Dr. Michael Horst, former interim associate dean, former director of EMU’s counseling program, and current director of its psychology program, serves as dean for the Health, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences division. The two divisional deans work closely with Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, and Jonathan Swartz, dean of students, and report to the provost.
Dynamic pastor and educator Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon to deliver EMU’s 2025 Commencement address
The Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon, senior pastor of C3 Hampton (Virginia) and adjunct instructor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will deliver the keynote address at Eastern Mennonite University’s Commencement ceremony. At Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Dr. McClendon serves as an adjunct instructor in preaching. “EMU graduates will be inspired by the dynamic commencement message she brings on this 500th anniversary year of the Anabaptist movement,” said the Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, associate dean of the seminary. “Dr. Lesley is a leading female Anabaptist voice in Mennonite Church USA and widely recognized in the broader community and church circles as an impactful and empowering leader.”
EMU names its student affairs leader Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as interim president
Eastern Mennonite University has announced the selection of the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as interim president. “With leadership experience pastoring in Mennonite Church USA and in student life at EMU, Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus will keep EMU well connected to our Anabaptist identity and distinctive mission. As an Anabaptist womanist theologian, her wisdom and insight will prioritize EMU’s integrity with our Anabaptist values and extend the broad welcome of beloved community. I am enthusiastic about her approach to leadership that is attentive to justice, nonviolence, spiritual discernment and academic excellence,” said Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Seminary professor introduces forthcoming book at Convocation
Historical research has a funny way of changing your writing plans, says Dr. David Evans, professor of history and intercultural studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. What began as a book that aimed to celebrate the contributions of white allies in the fight for Black freedom, he said, morphed into a research project that questioned the effectiveness of those allies and their movements toward racial justice.
Seminary welcomes applicants to its accredited Doctor of Ministry program
The D.Min. program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS) is the first of its kind to combine study in the fields of justice, peacemaking, and theology. Students who graduate the three-year online program will receive a terminal degree that equips them to lead in faith-based settings, including in congregations, nonprofits, community organizing, and some teaching roles. The program is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is pending accreditation approval by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
In the News: Eastern Mennonite Seminary to its offer first doctor of ministry program
Ministerial professionals looking to enhance their credentials now have a new option offered by a local university. Eastern Mennonite Seminary, which is a division of Eastern Mennonite University, is now accepting applications for its first doctoral program, The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Peacemaking and Social Change. The program will offer its first course this August, said Jacob Cook, assistant professor of Christian ethics at the seminary, who will direct the program.