Recognize Excellence in Theological Education

Every two years at the ATS/COA Biennial Meeting, the ATS Board of Directors honors an individual whose work has profoundly shaped theological education through the Distinguished Service Award. This award celebrates service, leadership, and lasting impact and offers the ATS community a meaningful opportunity to publicly recognize one of its own.

Every other year, CEOs and CAOs of ATS member schools are invited to submit recommendations for the Distinguished Service Award. The Board of Directors reviews those recommendations and then makes a nomination that is voted on during the business meetings at the ATS/COA Biennial Meeting.

The most recent award was presented in June 2026. The next award will be bestowed at the ATS/COA Biennial Meeting in Vancouver in June 2028.

Recommendation Criteria

Recommended individuals should demonstrate one or more of the following:

Exceptional Service to ATS or other organizations committed to improving theological education
Significant contributions to the structures and forms of theological education
Advancement of scholarship in theological disciplines
Unique influence on the understanding and advancement of theological education

Awardees

Since its inception, the Distinguished Service Award has honored individuals whose work has significantly shaped theological education in the U.S. and Canada. These recipients represent a wide range of traditions, roles, and contributions, from academic leadership to scholarship and service to the broader ATS community.

Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Janet Clark
Dean Emerita, Tyndale Seminary and
Former President, The Association of Theological Schools

Janet Clark is a widely respected theological educator, academic leader, counselor, and international ministry worker whose career reflects sustained excellence in academic leadership, accreditation, and global engagement. Across decades of service, she has strengthened institutions and advanced the mission of theological education through wise leadership, mentorship, and deep commitment to the global church.

Served at Tyndale University for 15 years as senior vice president and academic dean of the seminary until 2020, when she was named dean emerita
Former president of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), providing strategic leadership across the field
Extensive ATS service, including board member, chair of the Chief Academic Officers’ Society, and accreditation evaluation committee leader
Mentor in ATS Women in Leadership and active participant in global engagement initiatives
Background in clinical counseling and international missions, shaping commitment to intercultural competence
Ongoing influence through board service, speaking, supervising, and mentoring ministry

Robin Steinke
President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary

Robin Steinke is a distinguished leader in theological education whose presidency at Luther Seminary has been marked by innovation, institutional strength, and a deep commitment to the church. An ordained pastor and scholar, her leadership integrates academic excellence, global engagement, and a steady vision for sustaining theological education in changing times.

President of Luther Seminary and the first woman in the institution’s history to serve in this role
Longstanding service to ATS, including as a member of the Commission on Accrediting, accreditation leader, and chair of the Procedure Revisions Committee
Mentor in ATS Women in Leadership initiative and contributor to faculty development and orientation
Key contributor to the ELCA Theological Education Advisory Council, shaping strategies for long-term sustainability
Broad professional background spanning education, financial services, and ministry, informing a holistic leadership approach

Previous Awardees

2024
Marsha Foster Academic Officer and Interim Chief Academic Dean Interdenominational Theological Center and President Emerita Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Oliver McMahan (Posthumuously) Pentecostal Theological Seminary Vice President of Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness
2022
Dan Aleshire ATS Executive Director (Retired)
2020
Tite Tiénou Director Hiebert Center for World Christianity and Global Theology and Research Professor Theology of Mission at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School