Dayton, Ohio, seminary shares new campaign to add $10 million to scholarship endowment
DAYTON, Ohio, May 18, 2023 — On April 20, friends from the Dayton area and beyond came together to hear Bob Taft, who served as Governor of Ohio 1999-2007, speak on the positive impact of strong church congregations and leaders in local communities. Members of Bellbrook United Methodist Church in Bellbrook, Ohio, Gov. Taft and his wife, Hope, have experienced firsthand the leadership of graduates of United Theological Seminary who have served as their pastors. They believe in the need for strong leaders of the church as well as scholarships to support those leaders.
Rev. Joshua Ward, Pastor of Omega Baptist Church, shared his testimony of how United has shaped his life and ministry, remembering with special fondness the lessons he learned from his Pastoral Care Professor, the late Dr. Emma Justes. Rev. Ward graduated with his Master of Divinity in 2014 and is the son of Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, President Emeritus of United, and Rev. Dr. Vanessa Ward, who taught countless United students as an Old Testament Lecturer.
Dr. Tom Lasley, a member of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, shared his passion for supporting the campaign and the need for generous people who have the courage and patience to invest in scholarships for long-term generational impact.
“We thank God for the wisdom and leadership of Gov. Bob Taft, Dr. Tom Lasley and Rev. Joshua Ward for encouraging support for faithful and fruitful Christian pastors who bring people together in our divided communities,” said Rev. Dr. Kent Millard, president of United.
The Fresh Wind Campaign seeks to add $10 million in endowed scholarships to support future leaders of the Church to make an impact in the Dayton community and around the world.
About United Theological Seminary
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church. For more than 150 years, it has prepared men and women 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.