All Things Working Together For Good
October 1, 2014
NBTS, Students Benefit from Dean Ashley’s Unique Mix of Experience and Education.
The Reverend Dr. Willard Walden Christopher Ashley, Sr. is New Brunswick Theological Seminary’s Dean and Tenured Associate Professor of Practical Theology. He is the first African-American in the 230 year history of NBTS to be named Dean of the Seminary.
The significance of this appointment is not lost on Dean Ashley: “My experience as an Assistant Dean under the late Dr. Orlando Costas (the first Latino Academic Dean at Andover Newton Theological School) helps me to appreciate the historic moment and added responsibility that brings to my being the first African-American Dean at NBTS.”
The New York City native did not travel in a straight line to this position; the journey encompassed many seemingly disparate paths that formed a valuable and unique perspective, and made him a perfect fit for the job. Dr. Ashley’s many roles pastor, professor, psychotherapist, author, advisor, activist, faith leader and fashion buyer, among them are assets he draws upon as he works to further the Seminary’s mission.
“My life and career has always been the road less traveled,” says Dr. Ashley. Few know that he is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, an experience that is very beneficial to the Seminary.
His early career as a fashion buyer gave him the tools needed to run a large multi-location operation, appreciate consumer trends, understand budgets and embrace the value of marketing at the highest level. Dr. Ashley’s background also includes 30 years as an urban pastor and working with the larger interfaith community following the 9/11 tragedy and in other times of crisis.
Dean Ashley is at the academic helm of NBTS at an exciting time. The construction of the new Seminary campus is complete, and the building is ready to receive students in the fall. The beautiful structure stands on the reinvigorated Rutgers University College Avenue corridor, better integrating NBTS with its surrounding community. Challenges remain, however, for NBTS as well as for theological schools across the country.
According to an August 2013 special report by the Auburn Center for the Study of Theological Education, total headcount and full-time-equivalency enrollments for Seminaries nationwide continue to decline. In a number of schools, the demographics of the student body are changing as well. There are more young adults (under 30) and older adults (over 50) but fewer students in their 30s and 40s enrolling. The study also states that schools that can meet the needs and interests of this changing student body may be able to mitigate falling enrollment with careful planning and well-executed recruitment work.
Dr. Ashley cautions that Seminaries will not survive if they “play it safe and do not take risks as we redefine education during this academic revolution. Creativity, collaboration and commitment to stay the course are my goals.”
Along with the faculty and staff, Dean Ashley is talking to alumni, stakeholders, students and others to ensure the Seminary’s curriculum is relevant and takes full advantage of the new opportunities for adult learners in education. His priorities for the 2014-2015 academic year are to collaborate with faculty to make certain that all courses and programs reflect NBTS values and commitment to be leaders in theological education, to expand the Seminary’s new Horace G. Underwood Center for Global Christianity, and to help students and faculty increase their effective use of technology.
The Association of Theological Schools has taken notice of Dr. Ashley’s varied experience both inside and outside of the Seminary; he has been asked him to serve as a member of the advisory committee for the ATS Chief Academic Officers Society. The ATS plans to launch a comprehensive study of educational models during the next four years, and the project will involve close work with academic deans as the key stewards of educational programs at ATS schools. The CAOS advisory committee will help plan and implement the work that will be most appropriate and helpful to academic deans.
Dr. Ashley and the faculty at NBTS are determined to ensure that students not only get an excellent theological education, but are also well equipped to address ever-changing community and urban ministry issues in our multicultural world.
“Theological education is in the midst of a revolution,” states Dr. Ashley. “We want to shift from preparing students for after graduation to developing them as they are in ministry now.”