Town Hall with Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, New Seminary President, Scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, 2021

January 10, 2021

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will host its annual Town Hall for alums, friends, and partners of the seminary on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from 12 p.m. -1 p.m. (CST) via Zoom. This year’s Town Hall will feature Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, who officially began as president of the seminary on January 1, 2021. Information and registration can be found at Garrett.edu/2021TownHall. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, President Viera is the first person of color and first Latino to hold the office of president in the seminary’s 169-year history. Viera’s impressive resume and experience in church leadership, rigorous academic study, and community building will provide the right mix of skills, education, experience, and faith to further Garrett-Evangelical’s mission “for such a time as this.”

“I am thrilled to embark upon this new chapter at Garrett-Evangelical,” said President Viera. “From the outset I want to be in regular conversation with our alums, friends, and partners of the seminary about the challenges and opportunities we face together, and how Garrett-Evangelical can continue to be a leader and innovative force for good in our world. I hope you will join me for the 2021 Town Hall!”

At this year’s Town Hall President Viera will focus on:

• Garrett-Evangelical’s institutional priorities for the coming year;
• How Garrett-Evangelical is weathering the national pandemics that have disrupted, changed, and stretched our way of learning and working together;
• How the seminary is planning for the return of students, faculty, staff, alums, and friends to its historic campus and the measures being taken to ensure a safe and sustainable reopening of its facilities;
• Emerging trends in theological education and their impact on Garrett-Evangelical; and
• Updates on the work of the Garrett Together Task Force and the steps being taken to ensure that Garrett-Evangelical is intentionally advancing its commitment to be a fully inclusive, anti-racist institution.

In addition, President Viera will be taking questions and entering into a time of conversation with participants. To learn more and to register, go to Garrett.edu/2021TownHall.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church, was founded in 1853. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 450 students from various denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.