Learning, Leading, and Responding

Rev. Dr. Lindsey Scott

Our work this year at the School of Theology has been deeply fulfilling, and one of its greatest joys has been getting to know you—our capacious community of lifelong learners. This community reflects the breadth of theological education today, bringing together alumni and other ministry leaders, degree and graduate certificate students, as well as lay leaders and other theologically interested folks.

Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, we created new opportunities for our community to learn together. Our Faith in the Public Sphere series, an essential topic for our time, brought together our community, and our degree-seeking students enhanced the event by participating as part of their Engaging the Questions course.

We also gathered around the ideas and experiences of our community. Dr. Michael Toy and Rev. Dr. Chynaah Maryoung-Cooke L’21 hosted a book club for alumni, students, staff, and faculty to accompany Professor Hanna Reichel’s lecture on their book, For Such a Time as This. Other events in the series featured alumni, faculty, staff, students, and guest speakers as panelists and lecturers, creating space for meaningful dialogue on issues shaping our communities.

Another memorable moment came as we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Lancaster Theological Seminary’s LGBTQ Week with an alumni-led worship service and panel in Santee Chapel. Hearing directly from our impressive, dedicated, and passionate alumni left me blown away and inspired.

An increasing number of alumni are finding their way back to the School of Theology through the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program. This year, we made significant improvements to the program’s writing phase, while a directed gift supported expanded recruitment efforts. As a result, our incoming class is more than double the size from last year.

That spirit of continued learning extends to Compass, our non-degree ministry training program. Three esteemed DMin alumni—Rev. Dr. Jennika Eckhaus ‘98, S’01, S’20, S’25, L’25, P’29, Rev. Desna Henry Goulbourne S’16, S’20, L’25, and Rev. Mandy Marie Mastros S’17, L’25—now bring their experience to Compass as instructors. Through accessible online short courses, Compass is helping alumni refresh their skills while equipping new lay and licensed ministers for service. Programs like Compass nurture the broad culture of call that is necessary as the church navigates a changing landscape.

We are also looking beyond traditional program boundaries to imagine new pathways into ministry and service. In partnership with Moravian’s School of Behavioral Health, we are piloting second degree opportunities that allow Master of Divinity students to earn an additional degree, such as a Masters of Social Work or Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, or a certificate on an accelerated timeline.

As I look back on the 2025–2026 academic year, I am grateful for you—not only as alumni, but as members of our lifelong learning community. Thank you for continuing to engage, learn, and lead with us. It is our joy to partner with you as we prepare the next generation of faith leaders.

—Rev. Dr. Lindsey Scott
Director of Strategic Programs, Lifelong Learning, and the Doctor of Ministry Program
at the School of Theology at Moravian University