Search Process: President and Dean
EDS is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Hancock Ragsdale as president and dean. More...
February Update
January Update
December Update
November Update
October Update
Search Committee
President and Dean Position Profile
Message to Alumni/ae
Alumni/ae Survey
EDS/Lesley Partnership
In 2003, EDS' board of trustees, recognizing the financial challenges EDS, as a small independent seminary was facing, committed themselves to exploring options that would ensure EDS' continued viability well into the 21st century. Trustees, administrators, and faculty began to look at ways to redeploy EDS' resources to better support the School's mission. Some of them visited other seminaries which had successfully turned their financial situation around in order to learn from their experience. Over the past several years, many options were explored and rejected, including selling the campus and moving to another location, partnering with other schools, and transforming the school into a think tank or foundation.
At their March 2008 meeting, the EDS trustees adopted a strategic plan which includes:
- A partnership with Lesley University which includes the sale of buildings to Lesley University, academic program enhancements, and shared facilities for such uses a library, student dining and services, and campus maintenance.
- A market research project designed to help the school further adapt its programs to the needs of today's church.
- A strengthening of EDS' core program of theological education, formation, and community life.
- Increased financial aid for students.
- Building a strong development culture and program resulting in a capital campaign.
- Fiscal discipline relative to operations.
- The possibility of selling or leasing additional property.
