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This momentous event marks the beginning of a new academic year as we welcome new and returning students into our community of learning, faith, and service. It is a time of worship, celebration, and renewed commitment to the mission that unites us.
We are honored to welcome our guest preacher, The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Dr. Bridgeman holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Biblical Studies, with a concentration in Hebrew Bible, from Baylor University.
A licensed minister since 1977 and ordained in 1985, Dr. Bridgeman brings decades of experience as a preacher, pastor, biblical scholar, visionary, and artist. She has taught preaching/homiletics, liturgy, and biblical studies for over twenty years, inspiring generations of clergy, community leaders, and artists. She is also the founder, president, and CEO of WomanPreach! Inc., a transformative initiative equipping preachers for justice-centered proclamation.
We hope you will join us for this inspiring beginning to the 2025–2026 academic year as we celebrate our students’ gifts, the richness of our mission, and the hope of all that lies ahead.
Immediately following Convocation, the Seminary community is invited to The Refectory in The Richards Center for a Community Celebration Lunch.
