Inauguration of President McNeil
In care for our community and our neighbors, we are postponing the installation ceremony for President J. Derek McNeil due to evolving public health risks related to coronavirus. We intend to reschedule this collective gathering to formally appoint President McNeil and mark this new era as a learning community for fall 2020. A communication with more information will be forthcoming as details unfold.
We ask you to join us in prayer for our world, our city, and our learning community. The emotional and social impacts of the virus and our collective energy around it are just as significant as the physical risks. May we be reminded that we belong to each other and to God. May this bring grounding and comfort. May we proceed with caution and care, while resisting panic and isolation. May this bring wisdom and thoughtful engagement.
On behalf of The Seattle School, grace and peace to you and your communities.
J. Derek McNeil, PhD
Derek McNeil was named the fourth president of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in 2019. Since joining the leadership team in 2009 as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. McNeil has been integral to reimagining of our common curriculum, achieving regional accreditation, and securing over $1 million in grant funding.
Dr. McNeil has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to his tenure at The Seattle School, Dr. McNeil served as faculty in the PsyD program at Wheaton College Graduate School for over 15 years.
Dr. McNeil has worked as a clinician in private practice, a diversity advisor, an organizational consultant, and an administrator. His research, writing, and speaking have focused on issues of ethnic and racial socialization, the role of forgiveness in peacemaking, the identity development of African-American males, leadership in living systems, and resilience.