What Are the ATS Boards and Committees?
ATS Board of Directors
The ATS BOD oversees the strategic direction and operations of the Association. It includes institutional leaders and representatives from member schools. Board members help
shape ATS programs, policies, and initiatives that support theological education.
Board of Commissioners
of the ATS Commision on Accrediting
The Commission on Accrediting (COA) is a separately incorporated body responsible for accrediting ATS member schools. The BOC makes decisions about accreditation status
and ensures that schools meet the Standards of Accreditation. Commissioners include institutional, public, and ministry practitioner representatives.
Committees
ATS and the COA each have standing and ad hoc committees that support specific areas of work—such as finance, audit, nominations, and educational programming.
Committee members contribute expertise, provide oversight, and help advance the missions of ATS and COA.
Nomination Opportunities
Nominees should demonstrate leadership, wisdom, and a commitment to theological education. The Nominating Committee seeks individuals who reflect the diversity of ATS
member schools—across theological traditions, geography, gender, race/ethnicity, and binational representation (U.S. and Canada).
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ATS Board of Directors
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Officers: The available roles are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers and assistant officers as the Board may
designate. Each officer serves for a term of two years and until the officer’s successor is elected and takes office. In addition, the President, Vice President,
Secretary, and Treasurer of the Association shall serve as ex-officio voting Directors for as long as they hold office.
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Institutional Directors: Work for or serve on the board of an ATS member school, bring direct experience from within theological schools, and
make up the majority of the board. They serve four-year terms.
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Public Directors: Do not work for or attend an ATS member school. They bring an outside perspective, often from sectors like nonprofit leadership,
education, or ministry. They serve four-year terms.
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Board of Commissioners:
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Officers: The roles are Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Commission Representative to ATS, and such other officers and assistant officers as
the Members designate. The nominee for Chair must be a current member of the Board of Commissioners. Officers serve for two-year terms.
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Institutional Commissioners: Work for or serve on the board of an ATS member school. They are elected to six-year terms and then are ineligible to
serve for a year
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Public Commissioners: Do not work for or attend an ATS member school. They serve two-year terms (renewable for one additional term) and
then are ineligible to serve for a year.
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The Audit Committee
- Consists of three to five members who make recommendations to both the Board of Directors and the Board of Commissioners. They advise regarding the selection of
auditors, oversee auditors' activities, set rules and processes for accounting and internal control, and assume other related responsibilities.
How Does the Nomination Process Work?
The process is guided by ATS and COA bylaws:
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Call for Recommendations
In the September preceding the ATS-COA Biennial Meeting, ATS invites member schools to
submit suggestions for the nomination committees via an online form. Recommendations may only come from presidents, academic deans, and
cabinet-level administrators of member schools and be submitted by Friday, October 17, 2025.
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Review and Shortlist
Two separate nominating committees review all submissions:
- The Association Nominating Committee, which prepares the slate for the Board of Directors
- The Commission Nominating Committee, which prepares the slate for the Board of Commissioners
The Association Nomination Committee is appointed by the ATS President.
The Nominating Committee for the Board of Commissioners is approved by the Chair of the Board of Commissioners.
Both the President and the Chair of the Board of Commissioners consider leadership potential, skillsets, and representation needs in their review and selection process.
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Nominating Committees Deliberation
The nominating committees meet in November to finalize a slate of nominees for board and committee roles.
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Nominee Confirmation
In January, ATS contacts nominees to confirm their willingness to serve.
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Final Reports and Slate Announcement
The nominating committees both produce reports containing the respective slates for each board. This is included in
materials for business meetings of ATS and COA prior to the Biennial Meeting.
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Election
The election is held at the ATS-COA Biennial Meeting. The next one is from Tuesday, June 23-Thursday, June 25,
2026. Each member school is entitled to one vote on each matter before the
membership and only one designated individual per school may cast the ballot.
What Gifts and Skills Should Nominees Possess?
Strong leadership is essential to the health of ATS and the Commission. Recommendations should be made with some or all of the following qualities in mind:
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Wisdom and Integrity: Demonstrates sound judgment and a deep commitment to theological education.
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Leadership Experience: Has served in roles that show capacity for strategic thinking and governance.
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Collaborative Spirit: Works well across traditions and contexts to advance shared goals.
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Vision and Commitment: Invested in the future of theological education and the mission of ATS.
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Diverse Perspective: Brings insights shaped by denominational, regional, racial/ethnic, gender, or binational diversity, as well as individuals who are
bi/multilingual or have a global orientation that enriches cross-cultural understanding.
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Giftedness in Their Area of Specialization: Past nominees have brought expertise in organizational leadership, entrepreneurship, education, pastoral ministry,
curriculum design, program evaluation, finance, board development, communications, organizational culture, event planning, technology, data analysis, community organizing, law, public
policy, creative arts, and more.
Important Dates
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September 23, 2025: Recommendations open
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October 17, 2025: Recommendations deadline
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TBD: Board of Directors Slate announced to membership
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TBD: Board of Commissioners Slate announced to membership
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June 23, 2026: Elections held at Biennial Meeting
Presidents, Academic Deans, and Cabinet Leaders: Ready to Submit Your Nomination?
Help us identify leaders who will guide ATS and its member schools into the future.
