Search Opens for Next Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and The General Theological Seminary
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 13, 2026 - Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) and The General Theological Seminary today published the position profile for the next Dean and President. The publication marks the opening of applications for a new leader to guide the two affiliated seminaries into their next chapters.
The position profile was drawn up following 25 in-person and online listening sessions with stakeholders from both seminaries, including students, faculty, alumni, bishops, and friends. One session was also conducted in Spanish.
The profile reflects the themes that emerged consistently throughout these conversations, including the desire for a faithful, pastoral, and visionary leader who can articulate a compelling vision for two distinct yet affiliated seminaries, strengthen their shared mission, and guide them through a period of significant change in theological education.
The Rev. Troy Mendez, chair of the Search Committee for the Dean and President, said: “The depth and thoughtfulness of these conversations have been extraordinary. Participants shared hopes for the future of theological education, reflections on the missions of both seminaries, and insights into the qualities and gifts that we seek in our next Dean and President. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to participate.”
You can read the full position profile link below.
Click here to view the position profile
The search process is being handled by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM). The best way to share nominations and recommendations, submit an application, or contact the IM search team is through the dedicated IM webpage link below. Individuals may also reach out to Liz Braun at lbraun@imsearch.com, or Annah Wells at awells@imsearch.com.
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications and nominations received by October 31, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
The next Dean and President is expected to be announced in the summer or fall of 2027 and will take office on July 1, 2028, when the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS and president of GTS, retires. The seminaries have opted for an extended timeline for the search to enable them to access the broadest possible pool of candidates.
More information about the search is available on dedicated webpages hosted by each seminary. These pages will be updated throughout the search process. The search webpages can be accessed link below.
VTS Dean Search Overview GTS Dean Search Overview
Notes to editors:
For media inquiries, please contact Nicky Burridge, Senior Vice President for Communications and Institutional Advancement at Virginia Theological Seminary and The General Theological Seminary. Tel: (703) 461-1782 Mobile: (703) 300-2876 Email: nburridge@vts.edu
About Virginia Theological Seminary: Virginia Theological Seminary was founded in 1823 and has a long tradition of shaping faithful women and men, lay and ordained, for leadership in The Episcopal Church and beyond. It is the strongest seminary in the Anglican Communion and provides more than 25 percent of the clergy of The Episcopal Church.
About The General Theological Seminary:
The General Theological Seminary of The Episcopal Church was founded in 1817. It is the oldest seminary of The Episcopal Church and has educated and formed leaders for the church in a changing world for more than 200 years. The Seminary was chartered by an act of The Episcopal Church’s General Convention and its name was chosen to reflect its founders’ vision that it be a seminary to serve the whole church.