With her appointment as president in 2021, Emma Jordan-Simpson became the first Black woman and non-Presbyterian to lead Auburn Theological Seminary. With Jordan-Simpson’s leadership, Auburn Seminary is leaning forward in its mission to identify and strengthen leaders – from the pulpit to the public square – to build communities, bridge divides, pursue justice, and heal the world. Advancing a long-term view of social change, she is preparing Auburn to seed a thriving future with a new intergenerational focus on the formation of leaders the world needs. Jordan-Simpson serves on the pastoral team of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, NY. Prior to her appointment at Auburn, Jordan-Simpson was the 26th executive director of Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR USA); and has led the Children’s Defense Fund – New York, Girls Inc. of New York City, was executive vice president of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

Patrick B. Reyes is dean of Auburn Theological Seminary. He is a Chicano writer, theologian, executive leader, and the bestselling and award-winning author of The Purpose Gap and Nobody Cries When We Die. Prior to joining Auburn, he worked in administration in higher education and the faith-based nonprofit sector. Reyes provides leadership on several boards in theological and higher education, publications, and faith and cultural institutions. He sits on the board of directors for the American Academy of Religion and is the co-dean of the Freedom Seminary for the Children’s Defense Fund. He has been recognized for his service and scholarship.