The Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce the new appointments of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Associate Dean for Students and Community Life.
Professor of the History of Christianity Rady Roldán-Figueroa (’05) has been appointed as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, succeeding Bryan Stone, who served on the BUSTH faculty since 1998 and in this role since 2011. Dr. Roldán-Figueroa is a scholar of the history of Christianity, with expertise spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. His research focuses on early modern global Christianity, colonial Latin American Christianity, and the intersection of Catholicism, race, and colonialism. An accomplished author and editor, he has published numerous books, articles, and collaborative works on Christian history and theology. His teaching includes courses on Christianity in Colonial Latin America, Mystical Theology and Modernity, and Spirituality in Historical Perspective. Notably, he is the first Hispanic and Latinx full professor at BUSTH and previously held the prestigious Rev. Robert Randall Distinguished Professorship in Christian Culture at Providence College.
Associate Professor of Religion and Society Nicolette Manglos-Weber has been appointed as the Associate Dean of Students and Community Life, succeeding Cristian De La Rosa, who has served in the role since 2021. Dr. Manglos-Weber served in this position ad interim for the spring 2024 semester. She is an interdisciplinary sociologist whose work examines how religious communities shape political and social well-being. Her research spans faith communities in Anglophone Africa, migrant populations in the US, and young adults facing adversity. She has published extensively, including her book Joining the Choir: Religious Membership and Social Trust among Transnational Ghanaians (Oxford University Press, 2018). Currently, she is conducting research on religious leaders of community-based organizations in Uganda, highlighting the interfaith and innovative nature of their caregiving work. Passionate about hospitality and care in the academy, she is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning, and has served as STH’s Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the past three years.
“Leadership in these challenging times is a high calling and a service of compassion, courage, and wisdom,” says G. Sujin Pak, dean. “I am incredibly grateful that these two exceptional colleagues have chosen to share their gifts, time, and vision with STH. It is an honor to partner with them in furthering the vocation of this School for such a time as this!”
Both Dr. Roldán-Figueroa and Dr. Manglos-Weber bring deep scholarly expertise, commitment to student development, and a passion for fostering BUSTH’s vibrant and inclusive theological community. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Deans Stone and De La Rosa and look forward to the continued growth and excellence of the School under the guidance of the new associate deans.