Alumni News
Rev. Kim Engle (’24) serving first appointment with Middleboro, Lakeville churches
The following is an excerpt from the Nemasket Week article, “Combined Middleboro, Lakeville churches have new pastor” published on February 7, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
"Engle, a Plymouth native, was a member 
at the Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, where she also began her path into ministry. She was accepted into the Boston University School of Theology where she received her masters of divinity degree and was recently ordained in the United Church of Christ.
Engle’s position at both North Congregational Church and Lakeville United Church of Christ is her first in ministry. She previously served as camp program director at Amazing Grace, a director at the Hanover YMCA and also worked at Sing, Explore, Create, where she taught music to preschoolers and students with disabilities."
Rev. Dr. Andrew Robert Taylor (’97)
The following obituary was originally published by Amory Funeral Home Inc. and can be found here.
Andrew Robert Taylor (The Rev. Dr.) was born on December 20, 1938, in San Francisco, CA, to Ernest and Vera Taylor. He died on February 18, 2025. His family of origin included a brother, David Dalton (deceased) and two sisters, Mary Jean and Elizabeth. He was educated in San Francisco public schools, graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1957. He earned his BA degree from San Francisco State University in 1962, and then upon completion of theological studies, he was awarded the Master of Divinity degree in 1966 from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. He served as pastor of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Newark, CA, for four years, prior to going on active duty as a Navy Chaplain.
He derived boundless personal satisfaction 
and professional fulfillment from his naval career, serving in a variety of settings, including three at-sea tours: Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Two, home ported in Norfolk, VA, a repair ship (USS Jason AR 8), home ported in San Diego, and an amphibious command ship (USS Blue Ridge LCC-19), home ported in Japan. His assignments included duty with the Third Marine Division in Okinawa, hospital chaplaincy at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego, and a tour at the Subase Bangor, WA, home port of the (then) newly constructed Trident submarine. He served at three Naval Air Stations: Jacksonville, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, and Alameda, CA. He was present at the Winging Ceremony when the Navy's first female naval aviator received her wings. He deployed to the North Atlantic, where he entered the Arctic Circle and saw the long, continuous day/night, and there observed the splendor of the natural light display called the Aurora Borealis. As well, he deployed to the South Pacific where, in the night sky, he viewed the bright stars that make up the Southern Cross. Moreover, he visited every time zone and many of the major cities around the world, all courtesy of the U.S. Navy. Further, midway through his naval career, he was awarded a year (1981-1982) of federally funded post-graduate education at Boston University School of Theology, which he parlayed into a doctorate degree (D.Min.).
Upon retirement from the Navy, he relocated to Yorktown, Virginia. He served as an associate pastor of First United Methodist Church, Hampton, for two years, and then for twelve years, he was pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Newport News. Then, he retired again, concluding forty years of ministry, serving the United Methodist Church.
In retirement, he became an avid gardener (he even enjoyed cutting his own grass!), and he grew prize winning roses. He was also a tinkerer, craftsman and furniture maker in his workshop. In addition, he served as President of the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, and as a member on the Advisory Board of the Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center. He was devoted to his family. For him, family life was central. He was his sons’ first coach in little league baseball, and was active with both boys in their scouting activities, as well.
He will be held dearly in remembrance by his wife Sally, of 58 years; two sons, Bryan (Melanie) of Panama City, FL, and Garrett (Tasha) of Kennett Square, PA; daughter, Rev. Becca Minor (Rodney) of Warsaw, VA; and grandchildren, Maddox, Colton, Ava, Dakota, Austin, Ethan (Ayesha), and JeyLynn.
Services will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 2pm at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1209 Country Club Road, Newport News VA with The Rev. Rebecca Minor officiating. The family will receive visitors at a reception following the service. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in the section designated for military chaplains.
The family is grateful to the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living and Regency Health and Rehabilitation center for their loving care. In lieu of flowers and in his memory, you may wish to consider a donation to one of his preferred non-profits: Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, 707 Gum Rock Ct., Newport News, VA 23606, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Student Preacher, Seasonal, Congregational: Braintree, MA
Union Congregational Church located in Braintree, MA is interested in hiring a student to preach and lead Christian worship for the months of July and August 2025. Worship is held Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15 am, with 125.00 stipend per Sunday. We would love to have you join our congregation this summer!
Email: Unionchurchministry@gmail.com
Website: www.unionchurchbraintree.church
Prof. Steven Sandage featured in ATS article on Trauma and Spiritual Conference and Research
The following is an excerpt from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) article “Trauma and spirituality conference breaks ground on ongoing work” by Elsie M. Miranda, featuring Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology Steven Sandage, published December 2024.
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In a post-COVID context, many ATS accreditation directors were listening to concern expressed by deans, rectors, formation directors, and students who witnessed an increase of PTSD and burn out rates among ministers six years after serving in the field. ATS, however, does not provide a concerted plan of action to schools beyond encouraging that they tend to these issues in a matter consistent with their missional identities.
The ATS diversities staff worked to corroborate these concerns with the research of David Wang, of Fuller Theological Seminary; Steven Sandage, of Boston University; Micah McCreary, of New Brunswick Theological Seminary; Jessica Young Brown, of Virginia Union University; and Bo Karen Lee, of Princeton Theological Seminary. Together, along with McMahan, the group formed the planning committee that developed the Trauma and Spirituality series (the two webinars had a registration rate of more than 300 individuals each).
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Campus Ministry Team, Full-Time, Catholic: Dayton, Ohio
Join a Dynamic Campus Ministry Team
Respond to God’s call to serve college students in ministry. Model and inspire a commitment to discipleship in faith by accompanying undergraduate students to foster spiritual growth, vocation discernment, faith formation, catechesis, faith-based justice education and more. Apply your passion for building and supporting the faith community in an inclusive Catholic and Marianist environment. The University of Dayton Campus Ministry seeks to welcome new members to our dynamic ministry team.
Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Spiritual Accompaniment (West) and Retreats (Job #502523) Cultivates discipleship and belonging in the faith community with attention to outreach and evangelization among upper class students fostering transformative encounters with God through campus ministry. This position includes a focus on the development of Campus Ministry retreats grounded in the Catholic tradition. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502523/campus-minister-west. Deadline February 13, 2025
Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Spiritual Accompaniment (East) and Callings (Job #502522) Cultivates discipleship and belonging in the faith community with attention to outreach and evangelization among first year students and fostering transformative encounters with God through campus ministry. This position includes a focus on planning and implementing the Callings program for incoming first year students and student leadership development for upper-class students who lead the program. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502522/campus-minister-east. Deadline February 13, 2025
Coordinator for Community Engagement (Job# 502502) works to unite faith and action for justice among college students inspiring life-long commitment to the common good and active citizenship through reflective service and justice advocacy. Drawing from faith-based perspectives on social action, candidates will also promote interfaith cooperation and learning through community engagement opportunities, advise social action organizations, and cultivate partnerships with local organizations to meet real community needs. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502502/coordinator-of-community-engagement. Deadline February 10, 2025
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It is the policy of the University of Dayton, while reserving its lawful rights where appropriate to take actions designed to promote the Catholic, Marianist principles that sustain its mission and identity, to not discriminate or permit discrimination in its educational programs or employment opportunities.
Veterans Affairs Chaplain, Part-Time, Catholic: Rocky Hill, CT
For over 160 years, DVA has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." This is accomplished through our: Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Burial Services.
Are you ordained to administer the religious rites as a Chaplain of the Catholic faith and looking to join an organization where your role will positively impact members of our state's population? If so, we want you join us!
The Position:
The State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is currently recruiting for a Catholic ordained Chaplain to join us within our Residential Services Department.
Highlights:
- Address: 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT
- Schedule: Part -Time, First Shift, 25 hours per week, will include weekends.
- Position Number: 102807
- Please note: If you are invited for an interview the schedule will be discussed in detail.
What We Can Offer You:
- Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
*Benefit offerings will vary with part-time positions.
Discover the Opportunity to:
- Engage in a rewarding career;
- Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
- Work together in a collaborative team environment.
Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Preaches and conducts religious services in a state facility;
- Administers rites and sacraments;
- Prepares and preaches sermons;
- Confers with visiting clergy;
- Consults with facility staff on religious problems;
- Interprets Chaplain function to other departments in facility;
- Under appropriate clinical supervision, counsels individuals and their families;
- Keep records and write reports;
- Participates in various in-house educational programs.
View the application process here: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/SUP/BulPreview.asp?R1=250211&R2=1510HC&R3=001
Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, Sr. (’06) committed to engaging Black History at Baylor University
The following is an excerpt from The Wacoan article by Susan Bean Aycock, “Baylor University’s Dr. Ronald Angelo Johnson expands historical narratives to recognize critical contributions of Black Americans,” published in their February 2025 issue. Click here to read the full article.
“'Dr. King was a Baptist preacher and the 
first Black man that I knew of who had a Ph.D.. I chose Boston University School of Theology because that’s where he went. When I was writing my dissertation, married with two children, I remembered from his book that he wrote his dissertation at the kitchen table in the early morning while he was pastoring. I wrote my dissertation while I was pastoring. He really showed me a pathway to education, to a life as an educated Black man, in ways that I had not seen before.'
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As his passion for historical inclusion fuels his writing, Dr. Johnson wants to teach not just under-acknowledged Black contributions but their relevance in understanding modern government, politics and race relations. And he doesn’t soft-pedal what he believes to be a mandate for all responsible citizens.
'It’s not the role of the historian — or diplomat, pastor or chaplain — to tell people what they want to hear,' he said. 'Questioning our leaders at municipal, state and national levels remains the responsibility of every American citizen, regardless of party affiliation,' he continued. 'Great moments in our nation’s history — the American Revolution, the Progressive and Civil Rights eras, the Black Lives Matter movement — have been about people demanding answers from their leaders.'"
Nori J. Henk, PhD (’02) featured in Azuza Pacific Faculty Interview
The following is an excerpt from the Azusa Pacific University article by Jacqueline Guerrero, “Faculty Friday: Nori Henk ’00, PhD, Pursues Academic Excellence and Spiritual Growth,” published on February 7, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
“After graduation, Henk knew she wanted to 
continue learning about all of her academic interests. 'Part of me wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know if I could do it,' she said. Henk applied for an MA in Theological Studies at Boston University, School of Theology in order to gain a scholarly understanding of the church. One of her professors was renowned sociologist of religion, Peter L. Berger, who wrote Henk a letter of recommendation that opened many doors for her. She went on to get her PhD in Sociology at Loyola University Chicago and taught there as an adjunct professor for two years before moving back to California.
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'I’ve always enjoyed learning, and that’s why I have pursued additional education,' she said. 'Each degree represents different parts of my intellect and who I am. Ethnic studies allows me to tap into history, philosophy, and the arts which is such a rewarding pathway.'"
Dr. Wesley J. Vesey (STH ’54, GRS ’61)
The following obituary was originally published by Snyder Funeral Homes and can be found here.
Wesley James Vesey died peacefully in his 
sleep on February 16, 2025. He was born on October 30, 1927, in Jamestown, Ohio, and grew up the youngest of three children. His father served as a United Methodist minister and during his childhood the family moved to different parishes in small Ohio towns -after Jamestown came West Carrollton, Lebanon, Celina, and Bowling Green. He seemed to live the ideal childhood with his sisters Margaret and Evelyn, and his adventures provided the subject for many stories told over the years to children and grandchildren. He served in the army from 1946-1947 before beginning his freshman year at Bowling Green State University, and finishing his bachelor’s degree at Ohio Wesleyan in 1951. He obtained his divinity degree at Boston University School of Theology in 1954. Memorable overseas educational experiences included studies at New College, Edinburgh, and the University of Göttingen in 1954-55. He married Phyllis Thompson, after meeting her while pursuing his degree at BU. Together they shared love and life for nearly 70 years and raised four children. He seemed destined to follow the same path as his father after finishing his divinity degree and taking the pulpit in two Massachusetts parishes, in Sagamore from 1956-1960, and Medford from 1960-1963. In 1961 he managed to complete a PhD from BU, quite an accomplishment with family and parish responsibilities consuming his time. Perhaps Ohio beckoned once more and he found that his talent for preaching could translate to teaching in the college classroom, and in 1963 he moved the family to Alliance, Ohio, where he was professor of religion at Mount Union College for 27 years until his retirement in 1990. He rode his bicycle to campus on most days since his family of six had only one car. In addition to his professorship, at various times during his tenure he served as department chair, chaplain, and interim dean. He received the Great Teacher Award at Mount Union in 1974 in addition to other distinguished teaching awards throughout his career. Travels over the years took him to four continents, and academic sabbaticals and educational trips expanded his knowledge of his subject which he applied creatively in the classroom.
He enjoyed camping, gardening, simple carpentry, tinkering around the house, and creating things with his hands like electronic gadgets and mantel clocks from kits. He was fastidious, and had the most organized tool bench ever, which doubled as an at-home office. When he wasn't marking student papers, he would most often have a book or scholarly journal in hand, but rarely, if ever, fiction. He kept a detailed diary, and was a prolific letter writer, and one could often hear his manual typewriter tip-tapping away from the basement. He had a legendary sweet tooth for ice cream and baked goods. He loved the study of languages, both ancient and modern. He was also known for his sense of humor and silliness, which his children and grandchildren took great delight in. Using a cliche he himself often employed, he was a gentleman and a scholar.
He had many years of active retirement in Prescott, AZ, before returning once again to Ohio, where he spent his remaining years in his former college town of Delaware.
He is survived by his wife, four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Now his story has ended, but the stories and the histories that he told in the pulpit, the classroom, and at family gatherings will be remembered for many years to come and assure that his legacy will remain with us.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Snyder Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday following visitation. Memorial contributions can be made in Wesley's memory to Heartland Hospice, 6500 Busch Blvd #210, Columbus, OH 43229 or to Powell United Methodist Church, 825 Olentangy St #1, Powell, OH 43065.
BUSTH announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for February 2025
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications and scholarly presentations for February 2025:
- Alejandro Botta
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“Joshua, Introduction, Study Notes, and Excursuses,” The Westminster Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024), 297-333.
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- Filipe Maia
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“John Wesley and the Political Economy of Enclosure,” Methodist Review 17 (2025): 29–56.
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- James McCarty
- Presentation: Interfaith Harmony Week Speaker: “How We Heal: Lessons in Organizing for Justice Across Difference,” Keynote Lecture, Center for Interfaith Dialogue, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, February 3, 2025.
- Presentation: Respondent, “Living in Accord with Human Dignity: Weaving Restorative Justice and Active Nonviolence During Large-scale Violent Conflict,” Chicago, IL, Society of Christian Ethics, January 2025.
- Steven Sandage, et al
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Sandage, S.J., Stein, L.B., & Vanderbeck, J. (2025). Burnout among spiritual leaders and mental health professionals: A relational spirituality model of care. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2025.2461452
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- emilie m. townes
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Presentation: The Second Annual James H. Cone and Emilie M. Townes Annual Lecture at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary delivered by Reverend Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, “Congregating, Conjuring and Conspiring at Crossings: James H. Cone, Emilie M. Townes, and the call to Wake Up Running”, February 13, 2025.
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Presentation: "Shadowboxing the Ridiculous," University of Pennsylvania, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, Philadelphia, PA, February 19, 2025.
- Presentation: "Colored Orneriness as Critical Companion to US Democracy," Temple University, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, February 20, 2025.
- Presentation: "Premeditated Indifference: Facing (In)Justice with the Power of Hope," Palmer Theological Seminary, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, February 21, 2025.
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- Claire Wolfteich
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“Sabbath, Contemplative Time, and Liturgical Listening,” Journal of Moral Theology, vol. 13, Special Issue 2 (2024): 206-216.
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