CANDLER - Key Persons
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- Technology Development Librarian
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- Assistant Dean of Students
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- Co - Executive Director of the Highlander Research
Allyn Maxfield-Steele has been Co-Executive Director of the Highlander Research and Education Center since 2017. Allyn received a BA in History from Wofford College and an MDiv from Vanderbilt Divinity School. He is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
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- Professor of New Testament Director of the Women, Theology, and Ministry Program
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- Associate Director of Methodist Studies
Amy is the Congregational and Pastoral formation Curator with The Ministry Collaborative. She was the Executive Director of Global Mission Connections at The General Board of Global Ministries and the Visiting Associate Professor of Religious Education and Mission Innovation at Candler. She received her Doctor of Philosophy from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary specializing in the intersection of Psychology, Sociology and Theology.
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- Program Associate, Graduate Division of Religion
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- Aquinas Associate Professor of Theology and Culture Director of Catholic Studies
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- Head of Cataloging and Rare Book Cataloger
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- Director of Business and Finance
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- Academic Affairs Operations Specialist
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- Chairman in Moral Leadership
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- Senior Pastor at Oak Grove UMC in Atlanta
Beth LaRocca-Pitts is the Senior Pastor at Oak Grove UMC in Atlanta's Oak Grove neighborhood. She earned her BA in Religion from Duke University, her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and her PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Dr. LaRocca-Pitts' favorite aspect of ministry is "teaching the Bible and helping people connect the word to their daily lives." As a CE2 supervisor she enjoys hearing about the varying ministry settings that students serve in.
Beth LaRocca-Pitts is the Senior Pastor at Oak Grove UMC in Atlanta's Oak Grove neighborhood. She earned her BA in Religion from Duke University, her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and her PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Dr. LaRocca-Pitts' favorite aspect of ministry is "teaching the Bible and helping people connect the word to their daily lives." As a CE2 supervisor she enjoys hearing about the varying ministry settings that students serve in.
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- Director of Chaplain Ministries at Campbell
Betty Brewer-Calvert is the Director of Chaplain Ministries at Campbell-Stone Christian Centers. She is ordained in the Disciples of Christ tradition. She earned her BA in Political Science from NC State and her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary.
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- Assistant Dean of Advancement and Alumni Engagement
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- Reference and Instruction Librarian
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- Head of Special Collections
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- Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies Assistant Professor in the Practice of Spiritual Formation and Church Leadership
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- Professor in the Practice of Church Leadership Director of the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program
The Rev. Canon John Thompson-Quartey has served as Canon for Ministry in the diocese of Atlanta since 2014. In this role, he initiated a plan for congregational vitality that culminated in the creation of the diocese's College for Congregational Development. He has also worked to revitalize campus ministries and increase student participation, which has included the launch of three new campus ministries.
Prior to arriving in Atlanta, Thompson-Quartey served as rector of St. Mary's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, for nine years.
He is trained in adaptive leadership through the Clergy Leadership Project, which equips experienced clergy with skills for navigating leadership challenges in parish ministry. He has held numerous leadership positions and is the current vice president for social justice for the National Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
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- Bilingual Communications Specialist
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- Assistant Director, Programs
- Assistant Director, Programs, for the Office of Contextual Education
Carmen oversees all Contextual Education programs (Contextual Education I, Contextual Education II, Teaching Parish, CPE, and Internships) and is the point person for any questions regarding them. Students, faculty and supervisors should reach out to her with any questions or concerns.
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- Associate Director, Advancement and Alumni Services
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- Director of Academic Support and Enrollment
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- Director of Candler Center for Christian Leadership
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- Charles Howard Candler Professor of Divinity Associate Dean of Faculty
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- Online Learning Project Librarian
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- Communications Specialist
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- Senior Pastor of Decatur First UMC
Dalton Rushing is the Senior Pastor of Decatur First UMC. He earned his bachelor's degree from Birmingham Southern College and his MDiv from Candler. On his favorite part of ministry, he writes, "I didn't grow up in church, so I am regularly surprised at the capacity for goodness that people have! I love working with a congregation to vision the ways in which God is calling them to love God, love their neighbors, and love one another." He greatly enjoys working with CE2 students as they help him keep his skills fresh and give him hope.
Dalton Rushing is the Senior Pastor of Decatur First UMC. He earned his bachelor's degree from Birmingham Southern College and his MDiv from Candler. On his favorite part of ministry, he writes, "I didn't grow up in church, so I am regularly surprised at the capacity for goodness that people have! I love working with a congregation to vision the ways in which God is calling them to love God, love their neighbors, and love one another." He greatly enjoys working with CE2 students as they help him keep his skills fresh and give him hope.
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- Assistant Professor in the Practice of Practical Ministry Co - Director of the Baptist Studies Program
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- Assistant Professor in the Practice of Music Ministry Director of Chapel Music
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- Instruction Content Developer
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- Reference and Outreach Librarian
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- Instruction Content Developer
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- Assistant Director of Community Learning and Partnerships
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- Dan and Lillian Hankey Associate Professor of World Evangelism Director of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute ( WMEI )
- Dan and Lillian Hankey Associate Professor of World Evangelism Director of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute Director of the Master of Theology Program
The Rev. Dr. Arun W. Jones grew up in India, where his parents served as Methodist missionaries for over four decades. After college he spent four years in the Philippines, working in both ecclesial and secular non-governmental organizations. His scholarship has grown out of his life and experience in South and Southeast Asia, where he was immersed in a variety of cultural, religious and socio-political contexts. Trained as a historian, he investigates how Christians have appropriated and spread their faith in Asian contexts, especially in the era of European and American imperialism. Jones is the author of two monographs, Missionary Christianity and Local Religion: American Evangelicalism in North India, 1836-1870 (Baylor University Press, 2017), and Christian Missions in the American Empire: Episcopalians in Northern Luzon, the Philippines, 1902-1946 (Peter Lang, 2003). He has also produced numerous articles and book chapters on Christianity in Asia, and his current research focuses on the history of Christianity in Rajasthan, India, as well as other topics in the fields of World Christianity and missiology.
Besides his work and experience in Asia, Jones has served as pastor of United Methodist congregations in Connecticut and New Jersey. He is an ordained elder in the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
At Candler, Jones also leads students on international travel seminars with the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, which seeks to promote leadership in evangelism among Methodists and other Wesleyan bodies around the world.
In addition to his work at Candler, Jones is active in leadership in the Graduate Division of Religion of the Laney Graduate School at Emory University. Beyond the university, he holds a leadership position as the secretary of the Society for Hindu Christian Studies, and is serving as the president of the American Society of Missiology in 2019-2020. He lectures, teaches and preaches at various academic and ecclesial institutions and gatherings, frequently drawing on his personal and scholarly knowledge of Christianity around the globe, especially in Asia.
Richard has a passion for making disciples, preaching the word and raising up future leaders for the church. While serving at a church in north Atlanta, he led the congregation in the birthing of two churches from within their growing church body. This model is now being used across the United Methodist Church to promote new church development. His love of teaching and mentoring future church leaders is demonstrated in his successful tenure as Director of New Church Development for the North Alabama & North Georgia Annual Conferences of the Methodist Church, with the International Leadership Institute, the Large Church Initiative, the Academy for the Practice of Christian Ministry, and teaching courses at Candler Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. He has been married to Meri since October, 1984. They have two children and two grandchildren
Richard has a passion for making disciples, preaching the word and raising up future leaders for the church. While serving at a church in north Atlanta, he led the congregation in the birthing of two churches from within their growing church body. This model is now being used across the United Methodist Church to promote new church development. His love of teaching and mentoring future church leaders is demonstrated in his successful tenure as Director of New Church Development for the North Alabama & North Georgia Annual Conferences of the Methodist Church, with the International Leadership Institute, the Large Church Initiative, the Academy for the Practice of Christian Ministry, and teaching courses at Candler Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. He has been married to Meri since October, 1984. They have two children and two grandchildren
Winston Persaud is the Lead Teacher with New American Pathways, where he works with refugee and immigrant adolescents in the Clarkston, GA area. He earned his BA from Carleton College, his MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and his PhD from Emory. Dr. Persaud's favorite part of ministry is, "being able to help shape, and be shaped by, both adults and young people including educated, adult seminary students, and adolescent refugees new to the United States, as we engage in the journey of discipleship into the triune God."
Winston Persaud is the Lead Teacher with New American Pathways, where he works with refugee and immigrant adolescents in the Clarkston, GA area. He earned his BA from Carleton College, his MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and his PhD from Emory. Dr. Persaud's favorite part of ministry is, "being able to help shape, and be shaped by, both adults and young people including educated, adult seminary students, and adolescent refugees new to the United States, as we engage in the journey of discipleship into the triune God."
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- Bilingual Reference and Acquisitions Librarian
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- Associate Director, Digital Communications
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- Assistant Director of Strategy and Operations
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- Special Collections Reference Coordinator
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- Chaplain for Georgia 's Department of Juvenile Justice
Emily Kelly is a chaplain for Georgia's Department of Juvenile Justice. She began her journey at DJJ in 2015 as a Contextual Education I Intern at Metro RYDC. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Sociology and BS in Psychology and then earned her MDiv from Candler. She is currently a Provisional Deacon in The United Methodist Church.
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- Coordinator of Operations and Design
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- Associate Professor of Transformative Leadership and Communal Care Interim Director of the Chaplaincy Certificate
- Trustee of the Forum for Theological Exploration
Ellison is a board trustee of the Forum for Theological Exploration, and a member of the Society for Pastoral Theology and the American Academy of Religion. At Emory, Ellison is a member of the Task Force on Community Memory, Difference, and Reconciliation.
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- Executive Assistant to the Dean
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- Assistant Director of Admissions
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- Academic Programs Associate, Methodist Studies
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- Director of YTI and YTI IMPACT
JOANNE SOLIS-WALKER
Associate Dean and Professor in the Practice of Leadership
Phone: (404) 727-0255
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- Manager of Information Technology
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- Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean and Professor of Church History
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- Pastor of Embry Hills UMC
Jordan Thrasher is the Pastor of Embry Hills UMC in metro Atlanta. He earned his BA in History from Wofford College and his MDiv and DMin from Candler. His favorite aspect of ministry is all that goes into preaching: exegesis, writing and proclamation. He values the mutual learning that occurs between Teaching Parish students and mentors.
Job Titles:
- Pastor
- Pastor in Charge of Bethany UMC in Smyrna, GA.
Joya Abrams is the Pastor in Charge of Bethany UMC in Smyrna, GA. She earned her BS in General Science from Spelman College, her BS in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, and her MDiv from Candler. Her favorite part of ministry is "connecting theology and practice/behavior. I love to help us better understand who a disciple of Jesus is and discover what being his disciple might look like."
Joya Abrams is the Pastor in Charge of Bethany UMC in Smyrna, GA. She earned her BS in General Science from Spelman College, her BS in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, and her MDiv from Candler. Her favorite part of ministry is "connecting theology and practice/behavior. I love to help us better understand who a disciple of Jesus is and discover what being his disciple might look like."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Operations and Communications
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- Senior Coordinator of Academic Degree Programs
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- Assistant Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology Director of Black Methodist Seminarians Program
Keya Hillman is the Pastor-in-charge at St. Paul UMC Summit Street in Gainesville, GA. She earned her BA in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, and her MDiv from Gammon Theological Seminary. Her life Scripture is Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
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- Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation Associate Professor in the Practice of Worship Co - Director of the Baptist Studies Program
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- Senior Program Coordinator, the Sacred Arts Collective
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- Resource Sharing Coordinator
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- Religious Education and Director of the Religious Education Program
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- Director of Communications
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- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR in the PRACTICE of ETHICS and SOCIETY DIRECTOR of CONTEXTUAL EDUCATION I and CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION
Dr. Campbell coordinates students' placements in social service or clinical settings during the first year of the Contextual Education Program. She has a background as a journalist and has served in congregational, campus ministry, academic, and non-profit settings. She received her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and earned her PhD in Christian Ethics from Emory's Graduate Division of Religion. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Dr. Campbell coordinates students' placements in social service or clinical settings during the first year of the Contextual Education Program. She has a background as a journalist and has served in congregational, campus ministry, academic, and non-profit settings. She received her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and earned her PhD in Christian Ethics from Emory's Graduate Division of Religion. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Toco Hills Community Alliance
Lisa Heilig is the Executive Director of Toco Hills Community Alliance. She belongs to the Metropolitan Community Churches tradition. She earned her BA in English Education and Religion from Florida Southern College, her MDiv from Candler, and her DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. Her favorite part of ministry is "creating and nurturing inclusive spiritual community." Her favorite part of being a CE1 supervisor is "helping students find, claim, and use their gifts as spiritual leaders."
Lisa Heilig is the Executive Director of Toco Hills Community Alliance. She belongs to the Metropolitan Community Churches tradition. She earned her BA in English Education and Religion from Florida Southern College, her MDiv from Candler, and her DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. Her favorite part of ministry is "creating and nurturing inclusive spiritual community." Her favorite part of being a CE1 supervisor is "helping students find, claim, and use their gifts as spiritual leaders."
Mandy McDow is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. After hearing her call to ministry while working on staff at Camp Wesley Woods, Mandy attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, which, ironically, had no religion department. Regardless, Mandy was admitted to Princeton Theological Seminary, from which she received her master of divinity. Mandy has served rural churches in New Jersey, urban churches in Atlanta, and oceanside churches in California. Today, she is the senior minister of Los Angeles First United Methodist Church, the church with land and no building that worships in a parking lot. In solidarity with their houseless neighbors, LA First UMC has pledged to remain unhoused until they can create housing for those who need it the most. She is a 2023 graduate of Candler's DMin program.
Mandy McDow is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. After hearing her call to ministry while working on staff at Camp Wesley Woods, Mandy attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, which, ironically, had no religion department. Regardless, Mandy was admitted to Princeton Theological Seminary, from which she received her master of divinity. Mandy has served rural churches in New Jersey, urban churches in Atlanta, and oceanside churches in California. Today, she is the senior minister of Los Angeles First United Methodist Church, the church with land and no building that worships in a parking lot. In solidarity with their houseless neighbors, LA First UMC has pledged to remain unhoused until they can create housing for those who need it the most. She is a 2023 graduate of Candler's DMin program.
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Director of Pitts Theology Library, Associate Professor in the Practice of Theological Bibliography
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- Director, Career Services
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- Advancement and Alumni Services Coordinator
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- Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean and Professor of Church History
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- Circulation Services Coordinator
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- Assistant Director of Formation Communities
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- Associate Professor in the Practice of Religion and Society Director of the Black Church Studies Program
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- Manager of Faculty Support Services and Program Coordinator of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute ( WMEI )
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- Associate Director of Student Life
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- Program Coordinator, Doctor of Ministry Program and the Office of Worship and Spiritual Formation
Rev. Dr. G. Thomas Martin has been an Elder in the United Methodist Church since 2008. He has served Peachtree Road UMC, Sandy Springs UMC, Fayetteville First UMC and currently at LaGrange First UMC. He obtained an MDiv from Duke Divinity School in 2008. He obtained a DMin from Candler School of Theology in 2018.
Rev. Dr. Glenn is the Youth Pastor at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her ThD in Pastoral Counseling from Candler.
Robin Wilson is a pastor in the Alabama-West Florida Conference. She earned her BS from Vanderbilt University and her MDiv from Duke Divinity School.
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- Chief of Staff and Senior Manager of Faculty Development
Executive Director; Associate Professor in the Practice of Old Testament
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- Program Coordinator, Candler BRIDGE Initiative
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- Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
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- Manager of Site Operations
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- Senior Director
- Associate Professor in the Practice
SARAH BOGUE
Associate Professor in the Practice of the History of Christianity and Senior Director of Digital Learning
Phone: (404) 727-2824
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- Desktop and Multimedia Specialist
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- Senior Director of Academic Administration and Registrar
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- Developer, Digital Learning and La Mesa Academy
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- Member at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work
Stanley Ramos is a faculty member at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work. He received his Master of Social Work from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago, and his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is an ordained minister with the Metropolitan Community Church and presently is the founding pastor for Alabanza MCC.
Stanley Ramos is a faculty member at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work. He received his Master of Social Work from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago, and his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is an ordained minister with the Metropolitan Community Church and presently is the founding pastor for Alabanza MCC.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor in the Practice of Spiritual Formation and Ministry
Stuart Higginbotham
Assistant Professor in the Practice of Spiritual Formation and Ministry
Degrees
DMin, The School of Theology at the University of the South, 2017
Certificate in Anglican Studies, The School of Theology at the University of the South, 2008
MDiv, Columbia Theological Seminary, 2005
BS, Biology, Lyon College, 2001
EMAIL
Chaplain Susan Bishop has been a Correctional Clinical Chaplain with the Georgia Department of Corrections since 1984. She is a Candler graduate, has a master's degree in music education from Georgia State, and has been supervising Candler students since 1997. She is an ordained Southern Baptist clergywoman.
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- Pastor of Kirkwood UCC in Atlanta
Susannah Davis is the Pastor of Kirkwood UCC in Atlanta. She earned her bachelor's degree from Emory and Henry College and her MDiv from Candler.
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- Charles Howard Candler Professor of Divinity Associate Dean of Faculty
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- Bandy Professor of Preaching Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
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- Director, Contextual Education II Director, Teaching Parish Program
- Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology and Methodist Studies, Director of Contextual Education II, Teaching Parish Program, and Internships
Director, Contextual Education II Director, Teaching Parish Program and Internships Associate Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology and Methodist Studies
Dr. Elliott facilitates students' placements in their second year ecclesial settings for the Contextual Education Program. He is able to build effective partnerships with area churches given his knowledge and experience as an elder in the North Georgia Conference.
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- Hispanic Program Coordinator
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- Collection Management Coordinator