Mark Haywood
President, Grace School of Theology
Grace school of theology appointed Mark “Dean” Haywood, D.Min., J.D., as president, effective December 5, 2025.
Haywood has served the institution for more than 16 years, most recently as provost and professor of hermeneutics, homiletics, and Bible exposition. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in strengthening the school’s academic programs and mentoring students for ministry. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Grace School of Theology, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Juris Doctor from John F. Kennedy University, and a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University. He is also completing his dissertation in homiletics for a Ph.D. at Anderson University’s Clamp Divinity School.
A respected theologian, pastor, and educator, Haywood is known for his commitment to rigorous biblical scholarship and practical theology. He emphasizes careful, word-for-word study of Scripture, the inductive method of interpretation, and the essential role of prayer and the Holy Spirit in understanding God’s Word.
Haywood is married to Karen Elaine and is the proud father and grandfather of a growing family.
Keith Douglass Warner, OFM
President, Franciscan School of Theology
Keith Douglass Warner, OFM, a Franciscan friar and professor of moral theology and environmental ethics at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) in San Diego, California, has been named president of the school, effective July 1, 2026. A longtime member of the FST community, Warner brings extensive experience in Franciscan formation, teaching, and leadership as the institution continues to expand its mission in partnership with the University of San Diego.
An environmental scientist and theologian, Warner’s scholarship focuses on the intersection of Catholic social teaching, ecological responsibility, and Franciscan spirituality. His work has explored topics such as food systems and sustainability, faith-based responses to climate change, and ethical approaches to environmental stewardship inspired by the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi.
FST has been an affiliate of the University of San Diego since 2012, sharing a commitment to Catholic identity, formation, and justice. During Warner’s presidency, the school will launch a new doctorate in Catholic Social Thought and Practice, further strengthening its role in preparing leaders for the Church and the world.
Lisa L. Thompson
President, Union Theological Seminary
Following a comprehensive national search, Union Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees has named the Rev. Lisa L. Thompson, Ph.D., as its 17th president.
An internationally recognized scholar, social justice advocate, and faith leader, Thompson brings more than 20 years of experience advancing mission-driven initiatives across higher education, government, and the private sector. She most recently served as the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Black Homiletics & Liturgics at Vanderbilt University and taught at Union, where she was a faculty member from 2016 to 2019.
Thompson is widely respected for her scholarship rooted in Womanist and Black feminist thought, with a focus on lived religion, ethics, and the social impact of theological interpretation. A dynamic teacher and public theologian, she is known for integrating rigorous academic inquiry with a deep commitment to justice and community engagement.
She holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Thompson will begin her presidency on July 1, 2026.
Scott Moats
President, Anderson University
Anderson university elected Scott Moats, Ph.D., as its sixth president, effective June 1, 2025. He first served as chief operating officer beginning March 1, ahead of the transition from President John S. Pistole, who retired after a decade of leadership.
Moats brings more than 30 years of experience in Christian higher education, having held leadership and academic roles at Crown College, Bethel University, and Southwest Baptist University. He served as a consultant for Azusa Pacific University and as an evaluator and accreditation liaison officer for the Higher Learning Commission.
He holds a Ph.D. in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, along with an MBA from Crown College and an M.Div. from Alliance Theological Seminary. His work focuses on educational leadership, strategic planning, and financial stewardship, with an emphasis on student success and faculty development. Moats and his wife, Sheryl, have two adult children, Scotti and Shelby, and look forward to joining the Anderson University community.
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.
President, Interdenominational Theological Center
The board of trustees of the interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) has appointed the Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., D.Min., as president, following a successful year of service in an interim capacity. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the historic Atlanta-based consortium of Black theological institutions and member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Board Chair Calvin E. Booker, Sr. cited Mason’s deep institutional ties, leadership experience, and broad community influence as key strengths for this role.
Mason brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, having served in leadership roles at Voorhees College, Morris Brown College, and Morehouse College. An ITC alumnus, he earned both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, with a focus on African American Church History, Social Justice, and Outreach.
In addition to his academic leadership, Mason is the founder of the “Vanishing Black Atlanta” platform, engaging thousands in preserving African American history. His presidency signals a renewed commitment to ITC’s mission, strengthening its legacy while advancing innovation and community impact.
Mark R. Teasdale
President, United Theological Seminary
United theological seminary elected the Rev. Mark R. Teasdale, Ph.D., D.Min., as its next president, effective July 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr. Kent Millard, who is retiring after a decade of leadership.
Teasdale currently serves as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he also directs the Master of Divinity program. During his tenure, he has played a key role in strengthening academic programs and contributing to enrollment growth, particularly in the Doctor of Ministry program.
A respected scholar and practitioner, Teasdale has served as a consultant for the Foundation of Evangelism and continues to work internationally as an evangelism consultant and teacher in Myanmar. He is the author of several works on evangelism and ministry. He holds a Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University, along with a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, he serves as an elder in full connection. He and his wife, Ana, have two children, Katarina and Luke.
Ángel Guzmán
President, Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary
Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS) in Miami, Florida, announced the appointment of Ángel Guzmán, Ph.D., as president, effective January 1, 2026. His appointment comes as the seminary approaches its 30th anniversary and marks a new chapter for the graduate institution serving the Inter-American Division.
Guzmán previously served as vice president for academic affairs at IATS. A seasoned academic leader and New Testament scholar, he is recognized for his administrative experience, pastoral leadership, and commitment to theological education across the region.
His experience includes more than two decades of service in the church, including roles as president of Dominican Adventist University, theology professor, department dean, and pastor.
Guzmán holds advanced theological degrees and has contributed to ministerial formation throughout Inter-America.
Under Guzmán’s leadership, IATS expects that the school will continue its mission to provide strong theological education and to prepare pastors and leaders for the church across the Inter-American Division.
