United Theological Seminary opens search for next president

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has launched a national search for its next president after announcing Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall’s planned 2027 retirement. The seminary is now accepting applications and nominations as it looks for a leader to guide its next phase of growth and sustainability.

Why it matters: - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is looking for a president to lead the school after a period of institutional growth. - The next leader will shape the seminary’s academic direction, student experience and long-term sustainability. - The search comes as the school says its student body has more than doubled in the past 10 years.

What happened: - The Presidential Search Committee opened a national search on Sept. 19, 2026 for United Theological Seminary’s next president. - The move follows the July announcement that Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall plans to retire in 2027 after six years as president. - The public position profile and application are now available to prospective applicants. - The public can also nominate candidates for consideration.

The details: - Trustee and committee chair Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel (’81) said the committee is working with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to help the seminary “step into the next chapter of United’s mission and ministry.” - Daniel said the search seeks an “engaged leader” who will inspire creative scholarship, advance innovative pedagogy, develop leaders of distinction and move the school toward increased sustainability and global impact. - The committee says the next president will lead a school with a world-class faculty of artists, scholars and theologians. - United also describes its student body as diverse and interreligious, with alumni and students preaching in pulpits, ministering in ICUs, leading nonprofits and organizing for the common good. - The application is linked on an official landing page that includes Daniel’s note and the names and affiliations of committee members. - The search committee includes trustees plus current and former faculty, student, staff and alum representatives. - Daniel invited candidates from interfaith and ecumenical traditions, academic disciplines, relevant professional and denominational roles, and educational innovation backgrounds to apply. - The seminary included an “Apply or Nominate a Candidate” link for prospective applicants and nominators.

Between the lines: - The search signals a planned leadership transition rather than a sudden vacancy. - United is emphasizing breadth of experience and mission fit, which suggests the next president will need both academic leadership and fundraising or institutional stewardship skills. - The mix of trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni on the committee points to a search process meant to reflect the seminary’s broader community.

What's next: - United will review applications and nominations as the search process moves forward. - The seminary has not announced a timeline for naming the next president. - Rev. Dr. Marshall is expected to remain in office until her 2027 retirement.