The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology Announces Presidential Search
Guiding Our Community into The Next Chapter
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology Board of Trustees has begun the process of identifying its next president, following the announcement that President Derek McNeil will retire in June 2027. This page will provide updates and engagement opportunities as we seek his successor.
About the Position
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology seeks a president who can lead with spiritual maturity, institutional courage, intercultural credibility, strategic imagination, and deep love for the transformative work of the gospel. Learn more about the position and requirements.
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About the Institution
The mission of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology is to train people to be competent in the study of text, soul, and culture in order to serve God and neighbor through transforming relationships. Learn more about what makes us unique.
Institutional Profile Theological Identity
Presidential Search Process and Timeline
Our presidential search is designed to identify the leader best equipped to guide The Seattle School into its next chapter. The process includes community engagement, candidate recruitment and evaluation, and a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, which will make the final appointment. Major milestones include:
- October 2025: Board of Trustees learn of Dr. McNeil’s plans to retire and begin the process to recruit a new president
- February 2026: Announcement from the Board about the presidential transition and formation of the Search Committee
- February 2026: Internal announcement to staff, faculty, students, and alumni
- April 2026: Public announcement of Dr. McNeil’s retirement
- May & June 2026: The Board invites the Seattle School community to offer feedback that will help inform the search
- August 2026: Public launch of the presidential search
- October 2026: Application deadline and candidate evaluation
- December 2026: Mid-search progress update to the community & finalist selection
- January-March 2027: Committee hosts finalist campus visits
- April 2027: Board selection and announcement of the next president
- May 2027: Arrival of the president-elect and welcome activities
Presidential Search Committee
The Seattle School has gathered a Presidential Search Committee made up of trustees, faculty, staff, and senior leaders who will serve as an advisory body to the Board of Trustees. Its primary responsibility is to conduct a comprehensive, inclusive national search and recommend a slate of highly qualified finalists for the Board’s consideration and final appointment. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback to presidentsearch@theseattleschool.edu
- Dr. Cole Dawson, Trustee, Committee Chair
- Dr. Brent Stucker, Trustee, Committee Vice Chair
- Rebecca Allender, co-founder of the Allender Center
- Suzanne Aultman, Trustee
- Dr. Monique Gadson, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology
- Dr. Paul Hoard, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Executive Council
- Paul Steinke, Office of the President and Executive Council