United by our shared humanity
Auburn Theological Seminary is a visionary place of learning and leadership, with storied roots stretching ten generations into the past, and a mission to create a healed, loving world for the next ten generations.
Founded in 1818 as a Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Auburn has shaped—and been shaped by—our country’s storied history. Today, we harness our unique, time-honored wisdom to nurture the next generation of leaders architecting a healed world and kindling the flames of justice and love in communities everywhere.
Auburn offers transformative education for emerging and established leaders of all faiths. Our programs in leadership development, research, and storytelling & narrative change equip leaders to repair divides and inspire healing in their communities.
At Auburn, we believe in the power of education and community to bring about a healed world. We cultivate an inclusive space where every voice is heard, respected, and empowered. We recognize that to be an influential leader, one must also be a lifetime learner. We view differences as opportunities to expand our understanding—not drift further apart. And together, we work to build a future where everyone leads with love.
Our mission
Auburn Theological Seminary identifies and strengthens leaders — from the pulpit to the public square — to build communities, bridge divides, pursue justice, and heal the world.
Our vision
A world where love is the birthright of all.
The transformation of the world begins with the transformation of self. Every day, I commit to being a bearer of hope, building a world where justice and love prevail.
Emma Jordan-Simpson, President
Seeding theological imagination for a thriving world
Our board
The Rev. Dr. Derrick W. McQueen (Board Chair)
The Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards (Vice Chair)
Jocelyn Cunningham (Secretary)
George Suttles (Treasurer)
The Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson (Ex Officio)
Kim Anderson
Katie Golieb
Regina Jacobs
Jennifer Jones Austin
Dr. Prabhjot Singh
Rev. Dr. Greg Stovell
Eric Ward
Ellen Wingard
Rev. Frank Yamada, Ph.D.
Our history
With the Auburn Declaration, “New School Presbyterians” at Auburn Theological Seminary declared doctrinal openness.
Auburn closes its doors due to a decline in enrollment. It reopens the following year after alumni and the town provided financial support.
Summer School for clergy and laity is established. Largest certificate program in institution’s history, focused on accessible “seminary education.”
Ida Thorne was the first woman to graduate from Auburn Theological Seminary. She was a minister in the Society of Friends.
School of Religious Education focusing on training lay religious leaders for Sunday school and mission fields.
Auburn moves to Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Auburn no longer offers degree programs. Focuses on accessible ministry training.
Training for Rural Ministry program launched at Auburn Theological Seminary, focusing and recovering the seminary’s intent to train ministers in rural communities.
Rev. Margaret Towner, alumni of Auburn, was the first woman to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Center for Continuing Education established. This was the first program of its kind and is now replicated in almost all accredited theological schools.
Auburn Studies in Theological Education is established, providing research about accredited theological schools.
Walter Wink is denied tenure at Union Theological Seminary and joins Auburn Theological Seminary where he remained until his death in 2012.
Barbara Wheeler named President and served in that role until 2009. She was the first woman to serve in the role and longest running tenure of any Auburn leader.
Interreligious program for faith leaders established to support Christian leaders in a multi-religious world.
Auburn Studies is established, Auburn’s formal publication of research in theological education.
Auburn’s Center for the Study of Theological Education is permanently endowed by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson is elected President and leaders for more than a decade. During her tenure, Auburn galvanized faith leaders to advance movements of social justice.
Senior Fellows program is established and runs for ten years, connecting the nation’s leading progressive faith leaders.
Auburn welcomes Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson as its 11th President and the first African American to serve in that role.
Auburn is extending an invitation: help us transform deep histories and hard conversations into pathways for healing and hope.
Reverend Dr. Patrick Reyes, Dean