Ashland Theological Seminary
Ashland Theological Seminary is a graduate division of Ashland University under the governance of the same Board of Trustees. The Seminary seeks to fulfill the identity statements of the University, while at the same time being true to its own unique calling as found in its mission statement and other identity statements.
Mission Statement:
Ashland Theological Seminary integrates theological education with Christ-centered transformation as it equips men and women for ministry in the church and the world.
Dean
John Byron, Seminary Dean
Faculty & Administrators with Faculty Status
David W. Baker, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages
Matthew Bevere, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Center Operations (Cleveland)
John Byron, Professor of New Testament
Brenda Colijn, Professor of Biblical Interpretation and Theology
David DeSilva, Trustees’ Professor of New Testament and Greek
Tony Donofrio, Professor of Counseling
Jerry R. Flora, Professor Emeritus of Theology and Spiritual Formation
Marcos Ghali, Professor of Counseling
Yvonne Glass, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Director of Counseling (MACMHC)
L. Daniel Hawk, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew
Walter J. Kime, Associate Professor Emeritus of Field Education
Douglas L. Little, Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Counseling
David P. Mann, Professor of Counseling
Dawn Morton, Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership
William H. Myers, Professor of New Testament and Black Church Studies
Paul Overland, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages
William P. Payne, Professor of Evangelism/Missions
Melissa W. Corbin Reuschling, Professor Emeritus of Ethics and Theology
John C. Shultz, Professor Emeritus of Counseling
Ronald L. Sprunger, Professor Emeritus of Music
Dale R. Stoffer, Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology
John Swope, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
O. Kenneth Walther, Professor Emeritus of Greek and New Testament
JoAnn Ford Watson, Professor Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology and Spiritual Formation
Lee Wetherbee, Professor of Counseling
Seminary Dean’s Cabinet
Laura Bedocs, Seminary Registrar
Matthew Bevere, Director of Seminary Marketing and Recruitment
John Byron, Seminary Dean
Yvonne Glass, Director of Counseling (MACMHC)
L. Daniel Hawk, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew
Dawn Morton, Director of Advanced Degree Programs and Assessment
Administration
Laura Bedocs, Seminary Registrar
Matthew Bevere, Director of Seminary Marketing and Recruitment
Yvonne Glass, Director of Counseling (MACMHC)
Renee Johnson, Coordinator of Admissions and Retention
Dawn Morton, Director of Advanced Degree Programs and Assessment
John Swope, Director of Field Education
Philosophy of Theological Education
In order to carry out its mission, Ashland Theological Seminary brings together faculty with shared commitment to biblical, evangelical faith; the pursuit of excellence in teaching; professional development through continuing education and research; and service to the church and the world. The interdenominational team of educators attempts to create both a community of fellowship and a climate for learning. The faculty recognizes teaching supported by research and scholarship as their central and most important responsibility.
Learners are challenged to ground their Christian identity in an intimate relationship with God as they grow and mature in Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This growth takes place in the context of a nurturing community that encourages learners to develop and exemplify a Christ-like character. Through the classroom and co-curricular experiences, learners are challenged to clarify their unique calling in the Kingdom of God. The curriculum is designed to develop competence in hermeneutics, biblical studies, history, and theology, as well as ministry areas such as preaching, teaching, leadership, worship, pastoral care, counseling, spiritual formation, missions and evangelism.
The Seminary creates a learning environment that emphasizes both biblical conviction and tolerance. This climate facilitates the appreciation of persons and ideas from diverse Christian traditions within a cross-cultural perspective. Learners are encouraged to deepen their understanding of and involvement in their own denominational traditions. The Seminary models and fosters a commitment to servant leadership according to the example of Jesus and to lifelong learning which balances ministry and family life.
The administration and staff serve an essential role in helping faculty fulfill the mission of Ashland Theological Seminary. Modeling an attitude of servant-leadership, they seek to provide all the necessary institutional resources for all members of the Ashland Theological Seminary community to excel in their areas of ministry and responsibility.
Centers & Programs
ASHLAND, OH – The following degrees may be pursued at the Ashland Center (Biblical Studies); Master of Arts (Historical & Theological Studies); Master of Arts in Christian Ministries; Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry. We are located at 910 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805. For further information, contact the Ashland Theological Seminary at (419) 289-5161.
CLEVELAND, OH - Students can complete the Master of Divinity degree at Cleveland Center. For all other degree programs, they must complete at least half of their course work at the Ashland Center. We are conveniently located at 6500 Rockside Road, Suite 130 Independence, OH 44131. For further information, contact For further information, contact the Ashland Theological Seminary at (419) 289-5161.
COLUMBUS, OH – Students can complete the full Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts (Christian Ministries), and Master of Divinity degrees at the Columbus Center. For all other degree programs, students must complete at least half of the course work at the Ashland Center. Our Columbus Center is located at 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229. For further information, contact the Ashland Theological Seminary at (419) 289-5161.
Online (ONL) – The Seminary continues to expand the number of courses offered annually through distance learning. Students who access the online courses and the faculty who teach them constitute a vital learning community. The online courses offer a diverse and growing community of learners.
Students are able to complete all seminary degrees except Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Doctor of Ministry either online, or through a combination of course delivery methods. For further information, contact the Ashland Theological Seminary at (419) 289-5161.