Lilly Endowment Inc.’s expanded Pathways for Tomorrow initiative will offer up to $325 million to help theological schools accredited by the Association for Theological Schools collaborate and innovate. The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Deasy of ATS, who oversees the Pathways coordination work, offers insights on what Pathways has accomplished so far and what could be ahead.

Consider these top 10 questions that trustees, presidents, and CFOs should ask each other and themselves when first considering a merger

The board establishes structures of leadership that invite members of the campus community to contribute to the vitality of the institution.

While financial control often seems like the key to influence, it’s storytelling that holds power. Boards of theological schools must pay close attention to the narratives shaping their institutions—especially in the boardroom.

There are two key components to a board's role in fundraising: Collective governance and individual involvement.

Board self-assessment often reveals mixed reactions, with some members valuing its insights whole others dismiss it as unnecessary.

Rather than a checkbox, diversity should be viewed as a divine gift that enriches leadership and broadens perspectives.

The Rev. Tay Moss, an Episcopalian priest, media producer, and educator, has produced an AI-drive webpage to help people explore the Anglican church – AskCathy.ai – and in this episode explores the potential of AI for theological schools and how they can use it to enhance student engagement and streamline access to information. As well, he discusses the potential for new pedagogy as well as the challenges that AI offers schools and provides some thoughts about how schools and leaders can start to think about engaging with AI.

Board members are typically recruited for their leadership, business acumen, and networks. Dr. Rebekah Basinger, project director of the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, will discuss how strategic questioning and interrogation skills are essential for effective board stewardship.

The Rev. Nancy Claire Pittman, Ph.D., is retiring as president of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a long career in both the church and theological education. She reflects on the changes at Phillips and the transformation that has taken place there, including how the school uses the city as a place to learn. She also considers what she wished she knew about shared governance, working with a board, and the role of president.

If your board is not holding an executive session during every board meeting, maybe it should.

Planning for board officers vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.