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 mission of ATS and COA.
Nomination Opportunities and Qualifications
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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ATS Board of Directors Committees
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ATS Audit Committee: Three to five members who make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the selection of the
Association’s auditors, oversee the auditor’s activities, set rules and processes for accounting and internal control, and assume other responsibilities.
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Committee on Race and Ethnicity: In collaboration with the Advisory Committee for Leadership Education, this committee plans programs in support
of diverse persons in theological education and institutional capacity building to serve those populations and equip graduates to function effectively in a
multicultural world.
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Faculty Development Advisory Committee: Plans and implements faculty development events, such as programs for new and mid-career faculty in ATS
schools and larger faculty conferences.
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Research and Data Advisory Committee: assists ATS staff in identifying and planning research agendas that respond to the changing landscape of
theological education and serve the Association and its membership.
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Student Data and Resources Committee: Assists ATS in areas related to student information, focusing on the entering, graduating, and alum
questionnaires.
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Women in Leadership Advisory Committee: Identifies issues of particular importance to women in theological education, plans programs in support of
women in ATS member schools, and seeks strategies to cultivate women for positions of leadership in theological education.
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Board of Commissioners: Institutional Commissioners are elected to six-year terms and then are ineligible to serve for a year; Public Commissioners serve
two-year terms (renewable for one additional term) and then are ineligible to serve for a year.
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Board of Commissioners Committees
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Appeals Panel: A group of five people who help ensure fairness in the accreditation process. If a school disagrees with an accreditation decision
made by the Commission, this panel reviews the appeal.
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Audit Committee: Consists of three to five members who make recommendations to the BOC regarding the selection of the Commission’s
auditors, oversee the auditor’s 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 Nominations
In the September preceding the ATS-COA Biennial Meeting, ATS invites member schools to submit
nominations via an online form. Nominations may come from presidents and academic deans of member schools..
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Review and Shortlist
The nominating committees for the Board of Directors and Board of Accreditors are appointed by the ATS President and review all submissions.They consider leadership potential,
skillsets, and representation needs.
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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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Slate Announcement
The final slate for the Board of Directors is presented to the membership a minimum of 45 days before the Biennial Meeting. This year, that is no later than May 9, 2026.
The final slate for the Board of Commissioners is announced a minimum of 30 days before the Biennial Meeting. This year that is no later than May 24, 2026.
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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.
Important Dates
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September 2025: Nominations open
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October 27, 2025: Nominations deadline
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No Later than May 9, 2026: Board of Directors Slate announced to membership
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No later than May 24, 2026: Board of Commissioners Slate announced to membership
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June 23, 2026: Elections held at Biennial Meeting
Presidents and Academic Deans: Ready to Submit Your Nomination?
Help us identify leaders who will guide ATS and its member schools into the future.
