United Theological Seminary Announces
Search for Next President
DAYTON, Ohio, September 3, 2025 — The Board of Trustees of United Theological Seminary has launched a search for the next president of United, to succeed President Kent Millard following his retirement in June 2026.
The Board has identified a presidential search committee to conduct the search over the 2025-2026 academic year. The search committee is chaired by Dr. Tom Lasley, second vice chair, Board of Trustees. Others on the committee include Dr. James Holsinger, Chair, Board of Trustees; seven additional members who represent the uniquely diverse character of the seminary and the student body that it serves; and three ex-officio members: Mr. Rick James, Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry and Bishop Bruce Ough.
“The Seminary has been immeasurably blessed by the outstanding leadership of Dr. Kent Millard for 10 years. His gracious and Christ-like approach to leading the Seminary through both difficult and good times has indeed been remarkable,” says Dr. Jim Holsinger, Board Chair.
As the seminary seeks its next leader, the Board welcomes candidates who embrace the seminary’s commitment to preparing faithful and fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the renewal of the Church.
“For more than 150 years, United has educated thousands of men and women, who have faithfully served the followers of Jesus Christ. United is seeking a president to lead it into its next season: a person dedicated to the lordship of Jesus Christ and committed to the Wesleyan tradition,” says Dr. Holsinger.
Dr. Holsinger notes: “The ideal candidate will have held leadership and administrative positions that require managing the complexity of multiple constituencies; possesses well-developed speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to persuade and influence in both formal and inspirational settings, coupled with the ability to present theological and biblical insights accurately and in engaging ways; brings national experience and a demonstrated competence with desire to lead and fully participate in fundraising and advancement efforts, traveling as necessary to secure commitments from partners, foundations, and individual donors; is committed to working closely with the Board of Trustees in advancing the Seminary’s mission through the implementation of the Seminary’s strategic plan (available upon request); possesses an earned doctoral degree in a relevant field; and meets the qualifications for resident faculty.”
The application deadline for the position is December 1, 2025.
Information about United Theological Seminary can be found at united.edu. United Theological Seminary welcomes nominations and applications. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, to include at least three references, and a current curriculum vitae to Dr. James Holsinger: jwh@email.uky.edu. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Tom Lasley: tlasley1@udayton.edu.
About United
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering both master’s and doctoral theological degrees. Since its beginning in 1871, United has prepared students from diverse Christian backgrounds for effective ministry in the world. United is committed to teaching the historic Christian faith in Jesus Christ passed down to us through Scripture, sacraments, creeds and the fathers and mothers of the Church; scriptural holiness for personal transformation and the transformation of the world; and church renewal through the power of the Holy Spirit.