Portrait by Ellen Marello

During my five years as president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, I have sought to elevate the seminary and expand its impact through innovation. Prior to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the seminary already had been fostering innovative pedagogy. To meet the challenge of virtual instruction, the vice president of advancement and I raised funds for adaptive technology. The support accelerated our ability to meet students’ needs through adaptive course delivery strategies.

One example is the creation of Studio 35, a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the seminary complex. Built in consultation with our communication staff, the Studio provides a laboratory space where faculty and staff can prepare high-quality lectures and promotional videos. Using the studio to make professional videos has enhanced our online education offerings. All our programs now have fully online options, making an NBTS education available to more students. The Studio has equipped our faculty to be academic, denominational, and community leaders, positioning them for innovative collaborations.