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The number of women faculty and senior administrators in theological education is growing, although their percentage remains smaller than the percentage of women students. In this targeted
area of ATS work, the Association provides educational support for women faculty and administrators and assists schools in their efforts to include more women in leadership positions. A
recent survey study of participants—generously funded by a grant of $150,000 from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation—in past Women in Leadership (WIL) programs
regarding their experiences and a survey study of women currently in faculty and/or administrative roles regarding perceptions and opinions about their work in theological education, yielded
findings that will guide future programming for women in leadership.
The 20-year history of ATS work with women in leadership—celebrated in February 2018—includes
a broad spectrum of support and advocacy for female faculty, students, and administrators. The comprehensive four-year WIL program, funded by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
in 1997, enabled fall and spring gatherings of women at varied stages of their vocations. In addition to Engage ATS (an online community for those who work at ATS member schools to network and share resources), the WIL program traditionally hosts two conferences:
an Advancing Women in Leadership Conference in odd numbered years and an Emerging Women in Leadership Conference in even numbered years.
The Association has continued its educational support for women administrators and faculty members through annual fall conferences, periodic preconferences for women presidents and deans, and occasional preconference sessions for midcareer women faculty. More recent programming includes a mentoring program and newly developed fall and spring virtual summits.
Watch the recordings:
This conference focuses on emerging and advancing professional development, including attention to the distinctive skills needed by women to function effectively in theological schools. It provides a focused educational setting as well as the opportunity to network with other women. Participants from ATS schools are selected on the basis of letters of recommendation and applications, with preference given to women who have not attended this conference in the past.
This conference is designed for women currently serving as presidents or deans in member schools. These are the most influential roles in ATS schools, and they bring both the greatest opportunity to guide the course of an institution and the greatest amount of stress. The conference precedes the Presidential Leadership Intensive Conference and the Academic Officers' Conference, and they are designed to provide time for networking, reflecting, and strategic thinking.
ATS Women in Leadership Webinar Series:
Women in Theological Education: Sharing Our Journeys and Celebrating Our Stories
March 30
1–2:15 p.m. ET
A Case for Mentoring and Advocacy—View slides from Debbie Gin's presentation given at the 2023 WIL Mentorship Celebration Event
ATS Women in Leadership participants salute their "sheroes" to celebrate Women's History Month!
Reflecting on the work of the ATS Women in Leadership initiative
Getting there: seven practices to support successful women in theological education
WATCH THE VIDEO: Navigating the Seasons of Change—A Women in Leadership Fall Gathering
ATS publication honors twenty years of women leaders