United Theological Seminary announces the promotion of Dr. David Watson to Senior Vice President.
DAYTON, OHIO, March 9, 2021 — Dr. Kent Millard, president of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Mr. Jim Tharp, chair of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, announced today that Dr. David Watson has been named the Senior Vice President of United. Approved at the February 2021 Board of Trustees meeting, the newly created position will serve as a key advisor to the seminary president.
Dr. David Watson was identified for the new role in recognition of his outstanding leadership as a member of the Seminary’s faculty and administration over the last 15 years. Under his leadership, United has developed online and virtual academic programs to provide high-quality theological education offerings to prepare faithful and fruitful Christian leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ.
During his tenure, Dr. Watson has overseen the development of a new Master of Arts degree, the Hispanic Christian Academy, and early advancements in online theological education. Such programs have enabled students from a variety of contexts to connect with academic resources in support of their unique callings.
In addition to his contributions as Senior Vice President, Dr. Watson will continue his work as Professor of New Testament, Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“Dr. David Watson is a brilliant professor, a wise Vice President for Academic Affairs, and a conscientious leader at United and in the wider church,” says Dr. Kent Millard. “I admire the way Dr. Watson practices intellectual virtue in and outside the classroom by listening to others, giving fair consideration to all positions, representing the positions of others accurately and sharing his own views clearly and logically.”
Dr. David Watson holds a PhD from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology. He is an ordained elder in the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church and a member of the University Senate of The UMC. He serves on the Leadership Council of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Dr. Watson is lead editor of Firebrand Magazine, co-host of Plain Truth: A Holy-Spirited Podcast, and author or editor of four books, including Scripture and the Life of God (2017). His research and teaching interests include study on the New Testament, church renewal, the Bible and disabilities, and theological (especially Wesleyan) readings of Scripture.
United Theological Seminary is one of thirteen United Methodist seminaries in the United States. With 446 students from more than 30 denominations, United prepares students from diverse backgrounds to become faithful and fruitful Christian leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ. On-campus and online learning options provide access to master’s and doctoral theological degrees or continuing education. Founded in 1871 by Bishop Milton Wright, father of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, United has continued in that spirit of innovation to equip the Church for the past 150 years.