Leadership Transition Announced for Doctor of Ministry Program
Dr. Harold Hudson announces his retirement, Dr. Elvin Sadler to become Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies on September 1, 2021.
Dr. Harold Hudson
DAYTON, OH, SEP. 3, 2020 — Dr. Harold Hudson, Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies, recently announced his intention to retire from United Theological Seminary on August 31, 2021. Dr. Hudson has been a vital member of United’s administration for the past 17 years, where he has served as Vice President for Enrollment as well as Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies. Under the leadership of Dr. Hudson, United’s Doctor of Ministry program grew from 126 students in 2009 to 204 students in the fall 2020 semester.
“My journey at United Theological Seminary, starting as a student, has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” Dr. Hudson shared. “This has never been a job, but it has always been and still remains a ‘love of life’ place for me.”
Dr. Kent Millard, President of United, announced Dr. Hudson’s forthcoming retirement to students during the Seminary’s Fall 2020 Doctor of Ministry Intensive, held virtually August 24-28, 2020.
“Dr. Hudson’s devotion to United’s Doctor of Ministry program has resulted in long-term relationships with countless pastors, congregations, and church organizations around the nation,” said President Millard. “We are deeply thankful for Dr. Hudson’s inspiring and passionate leadership.”
Dr. Elvin Sadler, General Secretary of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and a Senior Mentor for United’s Doctor of Ministry program, will become the new Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies beginning September 1, 2021. During the 2020-21 academic year, Dr. Sadler will serve as part-time Assistant Dean for Doctoral Studies, working alongside Dr. Hudson for a smooth transition.
Dr. Sadler holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, a Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University. In addition to over 35 years in religious leadership, Dr. Sadler also brings professional experience from the corporate sector, where he previously worked for RJR Nabisco and Procter & Gamble Distributing Companies. He sits on a number of community boards and organizations and currently serves as a religious advisor to the Governor of the state of North Carolina, where Dr. Sadler resides in Matthews.
Janice Kronour, Executive Assistant for Doctoral Studies, will also retire August 31, 2021. Kronour has been a highly effective administrator for the doctoral program for the past 19 years and will be greatly missed. Deanna York who currently serves as an Admissions Associate, will become the Executive Assistant for Doctoral Studies on September 1, 2021.
Considering the transitions, President Millard reflected, “God has been gracious to us in providing United with incredible leaders. We give thanks for the outstanding faculty, administrators, staff and mentors we have leading all of the ministries in educational opportunities here at United.”
About United
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering masters and doctoral theological degrees and continuing education with programs offered on campus and online. United’s goal is to prepare faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.united.edu.
