The Newsletter for Chairs of Theological School Boards
Vol. 1 No. 9

As a leader, you know how people grumble about how hard it is to make change in an organization. There are many good reasons why people complain about change.
 
I’ve come to believe it’s not necessarily change that’s the issue. After all, many people love the change of seasons or the change of scenery when it comes to a vacation. It’s often the process that becomes the problem.
 
In more than three decades of work at the In Trust Center, we’ve focused quite a bit on change and change management because that’s central to leadership, whether it’s in the transition of a new president or dean or a new program. And, I know it isn’t easy.
 
Personally, I find change invigorating. I like the challenges and opportunities that come with change. But I also know that it can be difficult to provide the leadership, time, and support to successfully manage and make lasting changes to an institution that will help an organization fulfill its mission better.
 
That’s why I’m excited to let you know what we’re doing to help our members. This month, we start a special series of webinars for our members on guiding change and transformation.
 
Guiding Transformation: In April and May, the Rev. Dr. David Rowe, who has a long history in higher education leadership, will present three webinars on change management, adaptive leadership, and considering the future. David has great insight and experience in change.
 
Change for Sustainability: The rpk GROUP, a national leader in helping institutions create sustainable business models that reflect both mission and market, will lead webinars in May on using change to create a sustainable business model. In these webinars, rpk will provide a framework for understanding change, best practices, and ways to consider institutional readiness, and they’ll provide specifics to work through change, including their strategic action plan tool. 

There’s no extra cost to these webinars – they’re part of membership – and I’m excited because they bring some top-tier consultants together to consider how theological schools can move forward and see change as an opportunity to thrive.

With gratitude for all you do in theological education,
Amy Kardash
President