Dr. Theodore Hiebert to Be Next Academic Dean
11-08-2013
McCormick Theological Seminary has called Dr. Ted Hiebert to be its next Academic Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Hiebert is a leading scholar in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and is a nationally recognized teacher among theological educators. At its October meeting, the board of trustees voted unanimously in favor of the appointment, which came at the recommendation of and with full support from President Frank Yamada.
Commenting on this appointment, Dr. Yamada said, “I can think of no other seminary that has produced as many senior administrators as McCormick Theological Seminary. Ted Hiebert is the next among a host of leaders to be called from McCormick’s faculty to the position of Academic Dean. I am excited that one of our own, and one of our best scholars and teachers has said, ‘yes,’ as we are bringing in a new generation of faculty at McCormick. Ted’s leadership and experience will help us to ensure that the prestigious reputation of our faculty will continue to be what sets our seminary apart.”
Dr. Hiebert is the Francis A. McGaw Professor of Old Testament at the seminary. He has been a member of the faculty since 1995. Prior to McCormick, he held positions at schools that include Harvard Divinity School, Gustavus Adolphus College, Louisiana State University, and Boston College. He is a teacher among teachers, leading workshops for and serving as a consultant with the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. Hiebert received his B.A. in English Literature from Fresno Pacific University, a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Classical Hebrew and Hebrew Scriptures.
The author of several books, Dr. Hiebert’s scholarship has focused on the Pentateuch and the Prophets. His writings have been informed by and speak to McCormick’s cross-cultural and ecumenical vision for theological education and the Church. His most recent work focuses on themes of multiculturalism in the Tower of Babel story (Genesis 11) and the privileged place of the more universal covenant with Noah in Genesis 6–8 (forthcoming). He was also an editor and translator for the well-received Common English Bible, a contemporary translation that is now widely used in congregations across North America.
When asked about the move to academic administration, Hiebert said, “Since I arrived at McCormick, I've always felt it's the one seminary where I wanted to teach. Its urban setting, its gifted and diverse student body, its creative and committed faculty, its forward-looking new administration, and its progressive vision all position it to provide unique leadership in theological education in the days ahead. I feel privileged to be part of that process.”
About McCormick Theological Seminary
McCormick is one of 12 schools related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and is affiliated with the University of Chicago, the Hyde Park Cluster of Theological Schools and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). As one of the nation’s most respected seminaries, it celebrates and prepares women and men from all denominations and backgrounds for Christian ministry and service in the year 2040 and beyond, advancing a model of education that is cross-cultural, urban, Reformed and ecumenical.
