WILMORE, Ky., Mar. 14, 2024

The partnership is partially funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. It provides ����Ӱ�� Seminary the privilege of learning from the AME 13^th Episcopal District while co-teaching a Certificate in church revitalization with African Methodist women. The first cohort of thirty students will begin Spring 2024. The MOU likewise offers opportunities for mentored ministry, book publishing, and collaboration around church planting and church multiplication. ��In communal preparation for this embarkment, thirty women with the staff of ����Ӱ�� Seminary retreated in January 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina

“We are deeply excited and honored to embark on this transformative agreement with the AME Church. This groundbreaking partnership reflects our steadfast dedication to support and learn from African American women in ministry. Beyond simply offering educational resources, our mission is to empower and uplift these remarkable leaders within the Church,” says Dr. Timothy Tennent, president of ����Ӱ�� Seminary.

����Ӱ�� Seminary and the AME Church share a heritage rooted in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Both organizations are looking forward to advancing the Kingdom together.

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Dr. Estrada has most recently served as the Associate Professor of Missions and Evangelism at ����Ӱ�� Seminary. Prior to this, he was the Assistant Professor of Practical Theology post at Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS) in Cleveland, Tenn. for four years. During this same time, he also directed the Center for Latino Studies (CLS) at PTS. ��Before entering theological education, Dr. Estrada Carrasquillo served as District Youth Leader, National Youth and Discipleship Director, and Senior Pastor of the Iglesia de Dios Mission Board “Buenas Nuevas” in Puerto Rico, where he holds his credentials as a minister.

“I am delighted that Dr. Estrada Carrasquillo has accepted this distinguished position which brings expertise on Wesleyan soteriology and holistic Wesleyan evangelism to the faculty,” Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of ����Ӱ�� Seminary, said. “He is an accomplished and well published scholar with a strong commitment to furthering the church’s public presence and embodying the gospel in its various contexts. We look forward to what he will bring to this role with great anticipation.”

As the E. Stanley Jones Associate Professor of Evangelism, Dr. Estrada Carrasquillo brings passion for the practice and centrality of evangelism in the spirit of John and Charles Wesley. He will also continue to research and develop go-to texts and resources for the local church and academy throughout his appointment. This position is funded by a grant from The Foundation for Evangelism, a Wesleyan-tradition grant-making organization that seeks to “be a catalyst to equip disciples to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

Dr. Estrada Carrasquillo has written two books: Hacia una eclesiología Hispana-Latina: Una respuesta a la McDonaldización (Center for Latino Studies Press, 2018) and Beyond the Temple: Pentecostal Spirituality as a Lived Ecclesiology (CPT Press: Cleveland, TN. Book, 2021). Furthermore, he has published journal articles, encyclopedia entries, and book chapters on Pentecostal spirituality, mission and evangelism, the intersection between faith and culture, Latina Theology, and the relationship between Pentecostalism and the Wesleyan movement.

Dr. Estrada Carrasquillo lives in Cleveland, TN, with Laura and their three daughters –Kalani, Mía, and Valeria, where they serve their local church as part of the preaching, teaching, and worship team.

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WILMORE, Ky., Feb. 29, 2024

Dr. John Ragsdale currently serves as the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs at ����Ӱ�� Seminary. He brings a wealth of experience to the interim role, including strategic planning, assessment, program review, and external funding within higher education administration. Dr. Ragsdale holds an M.A. in Biblical Languages from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Marquette University.

Likewise, Dr. Jonathan Powers brings a proven track record of leadership and academic excellence. He currently serves as the Associate Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry, and he is also the Assistant Professor of Worship Studies within the school. Dr. Powers holds a B.A. in English from ����Ӱ�� University, an M.A. in Christian Ministries from ����Ӱ��, and a D.W.S. from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. He recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation through The London School of Theology on the worship theology of Robert E. Webber.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ragsdale and Dr. Powers to their newly appointed roles. As we entrust this transition to God’s divine providence, we believe their leadership will be instrumental in maintaining our sacred mission of equipping servant-leaders for Christ’s kingdom. We look forward to their leadership and the continued success of the Seminary,” says Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of ����Ӱ�� Seminary.

Dr. Ragsdale and Dr. Powers will officially assume their responsibilities on July 1, 2024.

About ����Ӱ��

����Ӱ�� was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers in order to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today tens of thousands of ����Ӱ�� graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The sun never sets on its graduates. ����Ӱ�� continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky. and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Colo., Memphis, Tenn., Orlando, Fla., Tampa, Fla., and Tulsa, Okla.

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“We are delighted that the current Presidential Search Committee at ����Ӱ�� is the most diverse in its history, encompassing representation across various denominations, ethnicities, and nationalities,” says Karen Thomas, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Furthermore, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the Presidential Search Committee has been selected with representation from trustees, tenured faculty, staff, and alumni. The representatives from the Board of Trustees are Rev. Dr. Ricardo Gómez, Rev. Dr. Dale Locke, Dr. Steven Moore, Rev. Kyle Ray, Rev. Charles Savage II, and Mrs. Helen Rhea Stumbo. Dr. Bill Arnold and Dr. Sue Russell will serve as faculty representatives, and Rev. Dr. Tammy Cessna will represent the staff of ����Ӱ�� Seminary. Finally, Rev. Dr. Stephen Hance has been selected to represent the institution’s alumni.

The Presidential Search Committee will begin by conducting thorough research across all constituencies of ����Ӱ�� Seminary to create the ideal presidential profile for identifying the next leader.

Simultaneously, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees is serving as the Transition Committee. Their primary task is to research and develop a profile for an interim president.

About ����Ӱ��

����Ӱ�� was founded in 1923 to prepare and send forth well-trained sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministers in order to spread scriptural holiness around the world. Today tens of thousands of ����Ӱ�� graduates flourish in every state, on every continent, and in every time zone, reaching the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. The sun never sets on its graduates. ����Ӱ�� continues its mission in providing holistic ministerial preparation as an interdenominational institution with a flagship campus in Wilmore, Ky. and extension sites in Colorado Springs, Colo., Memphis, Tenn., Orlando, Fla., Tampa, Fla., and Tulsa, Okla.

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Effective January 1, 2024, Dr. Ivan Filby has become President and CEO of Seedbed, a subsidiary of ����Ӱ��. Ordained in the Free Methodist Church UK & Ireland and Assistant Pastor at Towerview Church in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Filby previously served as President of Greenville University in Illinois and as Professor at Trinity College Dublin. He holds

“I am so delighted that Ivan Filby, a longtime friend and a Seedbed author and educator, has been appointed by the Board of Directors to take a new role as President and CEO of Seedbed,” says Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of ����Ӱ�� Seminary. “I will never forget the many hours in my office with J.D. Walt as we dreamed together about the possibility of a new resource platform for the global church that could carry the Wesleyan message. Now, looking back over a decade, both Seedbed publishing and New Room have transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people.”

J.D. Walt has transitioned from President and SEO of Seedbed to Founder and Sower-in-Chief. J.D.’s new role enables him to be more available to Seedbed’s growing global community through writing and resource development and will allow him to begin serving as Pastor of the Gillett Methodist Church in Gillett, Arkansas, in July 2024.

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WILMORE, KY (February 9, 2024) – Dr. Gregg A. Okesson, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, will transition to a teaching role as Professor of Leadership Development in the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry on June 30. Additionally, he will serve as the Ira Gallaway and D.M. Beeson Chair of Leadership Development, Mission and Evangelism. He will continue to serve as the Director of Global Partnerships and will help launch the study of public theology.��

During his time as Provost, Dr. Okesson has provided key leadership in several areas, including the merging of the ESJ School of World Missions and the School of Practical Theology into the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry, the creation of a new School of Counseling, the rebuilding of the Provost office, the transformation of the Academic Council, and multiple new faculty hires.

“Please join me in expressing appreciation to Dr. Okesson for his service to ����Ӱ�� Seminary in this pivotal role. His many accomplishments as Provost have brought increased diversity and theological solidity to our academic leadership,” says President Dr. Timothy C. Tennent. “His return to the classroom providentially coincides with exciting developments to the ESJ School of Mission and Ministry, which will significantly strengthen the program.”

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Cindy Dean, Director of Admissions

Cindy Dean currently serves as the Director of Student Success at ����Ӱ�� Seminary. She brings to her new role a considerable amount of experience in higher education graduate admissions and marketing that will enable her to hit the ground running. Her current work in academic advising, in conjunction with her new role is providing an additional benefit to the transition, by bringing applied expertise in helping onboard new students and assisting them through Admissions to the Registrar and academic advising transition. Cindy holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Georgia, as well as an M.B.A. from ����Ӱ�� University. In 2021, Cindy successfully earned a Certificate in Leadership Development for Enrollment Professionals (LDEP) through the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) in collaboration with Geneva College.

Rev. Blaine Prewitt, Director of Financial Aid

Rev. Blaine Prewitt, currently the Associate Director of Admissions, brings with him vast experience in enrollment management and student care as it relates to student retention and the overall student experience. Previously, Blaine has served as an Enrollment Counselor at Campbellsville University and as a Children and Youth Minister in the Baptist church. Blaine holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Campbellsville University, where he met his wife, Allyson. They now eagerly await the arrival of their first child, Eleanor, in April. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Theological Studies at ����Ӱ�� Seminary.��

Additionally, the work of Student Success will now be structured under the Registrar’s Office.�� The Academic Advisors will work with the Registrar, who will directly oversee the continuation of Cindy’s work to streamline information to ����Ӱ�� Seminary students.

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Dr. Meesaeng Lee Choi, who served as Professor at ����Ӱ��, passed away on January 11, 2023, after battling illness.��

Dr. Choi served as Professor at ����Ӱ�� Seminary from 2002 until her retirement in September 2023. She became a tenured faculty member in 2007. She taught courses in church history, historical theology, and the history of Christianity. Before joining the ����Ӱ�� Seminary faculty, she was Adjunct Professor at International Evangelical Seminary in Staten Island, NY, teaching courses in church history, doctrine, Wesleyan theology, and missiology. Dr. Choi held pastoral and chaplaincy roles prior to becoming a professor.

A native of South Korea, Dr. Choi earned an M.Div. from Seoul Theological University in 1986, graduating Summa Cum Laude, before arriving as a student at ����Ӱ�� Seminary. Dr. Choi earned a Th.M. from ����Ӱ�� Seminary in 1991 before going on to earn an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from Drew University.��

Dr. Choi held several professional memberships and was a speaker, lecturer and writer. Her presentations and professional publications included her research on revival movements, the Korean church, Wesleyan theology, world missions, and the history of Christianity.

“We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Meesaeng Choi, a valued faculty member of ����Ӱ�� Seminary since 2002,” says ����Ӱ�� Seminary President Timothy C. Tennent. “She was an asset to the Seminary community, and her areas of expertise and research are valuable contributions to the study of Christianity around the globe.”��

Dr. Choi’s funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. at the Church of All Nations in Nicholasville, KY.��

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Bryan Blankenship, Vice President of Finance & Administration and CFO of ����Ӱ�� Seminary, joined the Board of Directors of In Trust Center, effective January 1, 2024, for a three-year term.

is a support system for board members and executive leaders in graduate theological education in North America. Through its programs, services, and transformative initiatives, the In Trust Center serves as a vital partner and valuable resource for its members and affiliates to fulfill their missions – to impact communities, churches, and the world.

“This is a humbling and exciting opportunity both personally and for ����Ӱ��,” Blankenship said. “In Trust is the preeminent organization supporting seminaries and theological education, and to be extended the opportunity to serve with such quality board members and in such a pivotal role at this time in theological education is a genuine honor.”

Bryan Blankenship holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and an M.A. in leadership from ����Ӱ�� Seminary. In his role at the Seminary, he is responsible for four departments and has direct responsibility for numerous financial functions, legal matters and risk management. He also serves on the President’s Cabinet.��

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Bishop David E. Ramírez is the winner of ����Ӱ��’s Distinguished Alumni award for 2023. ����Ӱ�� Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni award is designed to honor graduates who, in their personal lives and public ministries, exhibit the Seminary’s values of preparing a theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled evangelistic ministry to spread scriptural holiness across the world.

Bishop David E. Ramirez, raised in Chile, has a rich family heritage as a third-generation pastor in the Church of God. As a young teen, he came to America to study at the Church of God Spanish Institute of Ministry. He received a Master of Divinity at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from ����Ӱ�� (2002), and two honorary doctoral degrees recognizing excellence in Christian leadership. As a professor, Ramirez specialized in teaching church growth, Christian leadership, practical theology, and biblical preaching.

He has a wealth of experience as a missionary, local pastor, church planter, and CPE Chaplain. For six years, he served as president of South Cone Ministerial Seminary in Argentina, followed by 14 years as the founder and president of the South American Theological Seminary in Quito, Ecuador. In 2006, he was appointed to serve the Southwest Hispanic Region as Administrative Bishop. From 2008 to 2016, he provided leadership to all of Latin America as the World Missions field director.

In addition to previous election to the Church of God International Executive Council and serving on multiple denominational boards, Ramirez has served on advisory boards and committees for several international ministry organizations: the Lausanne Movement, the 4/14 Window Movement, Compassion International, Empowered21, Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees, and the Pentecostal World Fellowship World Missions Commission.

In 2016, Ramirez was elected to the Church of God International Executive Committee as the Third Assistant General Overseer and also became the Executive Director for the Division of Education. He and his wife, Fernanda, are parents to Santiago, Fernando, and Valeria. Their ministry has proclaimed the hope of Jesus around the world.

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