Academics in Review

J. Derek McNeil · Senior VP of Academics & CAO

A Time of Transition

In August, my wife, daughter, and I embarked on a journey that is familiar to many of the students at The Seattle School. We packed our car to the brim and headed west on Interstate 90 for 2,000 miles. Participation in The Seattle School community demands much from a person, which informs my belief that one must be called to travel this path; my family and I had ample time to reflect upon this as the road unfolded before us.

A Voice for Christian Graduate Education

Three months have passed now as I write this letter. My daughter is navigating her way through a new high school, my wife in a new role at a neighboring university, and I’m still figuring out where my books will go in my new office. In this time of reorientation I am bolstered by God’s faithfulness and calling to me and The Seattle School. I am here in this place because God is inviting The Seattle School to become a leading voice for Christian graduate education and God has called me to help The Seattle School helps fulfills this task. I do not know if we will ever be a very large school, but I believe we will be an influential one.

An Integrated Approach

Our integrated approach to equipping therapists, pastors, leaders, and artists to serve God and neighbor is without parallel. The following are my goals to ensure that our institution can support our vital mission.

1. Develop and mature operational systems
2. Strategically develop theology programs
3. Make The Seattle School a highly influential organization in the Pacific Northwest within 10 years.
4. Increase the quality of The Seattle School educational experience
5. Support faculty development
6. Develop collaborative partnerships with other academic and practitioner institutions in the Pacific Northwest

A Seattle Theology

Regarding the strategic development of theology programs, I believe we are uniquely positioned to name and develop a “Seattle Theology”. In The Pacific Northwest, the majority of people identify as having no religious affiliation. It is within this climate that The Seattle School is both constructing theology and supporting fresh expressions of the church. This work has the potential to serve the church as more parts of the country become increasingly post-Christian. The Seattle School is uniquely positioned to do this work because of its youth and independence. With no traditional constituencies to attend to, we can adopt a role within the body of Christ as a leader in developing new ideas and practices.

Derek McNeil

Academic Dean