Columbia Seminary Board Affirms Strategic Realignment, Approves 2026–27 Budget

Affirming the work of the Seminary’s administration in completing a comprehensive institutional assessment, the Board approved a realignment plan that includes a reduction in staffing. The assessment was guided by four strategic priorities essential to institutional vitality:

• Enrollment Management and Retention
• Financial Viability
• Communications and Institutional Storytelling
• Structural Efficiency

The realignment is intended to position the Seminary to continue supporting students while sustaining the academic strength and integrity of its curriculum and programs.

“The Board of Trustees has affirmed the plan presented by our President’s Council with gratitude and care. We believe it is thoughtful and faithful work that will help the Seminary remain focused on forming imaginative, faithful pastoral leaders for the Church and the world,” said Board Chair Rev. Elizabeth C. Goodrich.

“Columbia is financially strong, and at the same time we recognize that a changing church and world invites us to listen closely, act wisely, and steward our resources in ways that align deeply with our mission.”

Board Chair Goodrich also stated that “Throughout our meetings, we not only engaged the practical needs of Columbia Seminary today, but we also paused to pray—seeking the guidance of the God we trust to lead us, sustain us, and shape our future.”

Among its most important responsibilities, the Board approved the conferral of degrees on 50 students pending successful completion of academic and institutional graduation requirements. The graduates will be honored at the Seminary’s May 23 Commencement Ceremony.

Additionally, the Board approved the promotion of Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp to Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care. Sharp holds a PhD and MA from Vanderbilt University, an MAR from Yale Divinity School, and a BA from the University of Virginia. She is the author of the recently released publication Listening for Liberation: Sound Practices of Intercultural Spiritual Care (Fortress Press).

Trustees also honored seven employees retiring at the conclusion of the academic year:

• Ann Clay Adams
• William P. Brown
• Bob Craigmile
• Jeffery L. Tribble, Sr.
• Val Thompson
• Jeff Vaughan
• Charles A. Wiley

The Board awarded faculty emeritus status to Dr. Brown, the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, and to Dr. Tribble, Associate Professor of Ministry.

The Board recognized trustees completing their terms this year:

• Elizabeth Clayton of Greer, S.C.
• Rev. Chris Henry of Indianapolis, Ind.
• Rev. Francis Junghoon Son of Lawrenceville, Ga.
• Rev. Dr. Scott Weimer of Vinings, Ga.
• Rev. Dr. Damon Williams of Atlanta, Ga.

Three new trustees were elected, with terms beginning this fall:

• Rev. Dr. Joe Evans of Marietta, Ga.
• Rev. Dr. Tom Walker of Charlotte, N.C.
• Mr. T. Clark Simmons of Decatur, Ga.

Rev. Dr. Brian C. Henderson, pastor of historic St. James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S.C., was elected vice chair of the Board. He will serve alongside the other elected officers: Rev. Elizabeth C. Goodrich, chair, and Rev. Kathy Wolf Reed, secretary, who are each serving their second year in their roles.