Rest in Peace - Tribute to Barbara Wheeler
Auburn Theological Seminary is mourning the loss of Auburn’s former president, Barbara G. Wheeler. She passed yesterday morning with her husband and son by her side.
She served as president of Auburn for 30 years and was the first woman to serve in that role. She led the organization from 1979 until 2009, and she embodied the spirit and legacy of Auburn Theological Seminary. Her work across theological education through her founding the Center for the Study of Theological Education (CSTE) in 1991 and its journal Auburn Studies, helped leaders see a shifting landscape in the field. From leadership transitions and changing demographics of the student body, President Wheeler was, and her reports continue to be, the most trusted voice in the field.
She was committed to advancing the work within the Presbyterian Church (USA) for LGBTQIA+ persons, women, and racial and ethnic minorities, serving on national boards and in her local congregation. From publishing to leadership development, President Wheeler cared deeply about the direction and shape of the church. She dedicated her time and service to helping the church become a more just and loving institution.
She was a beloved colleague and mentor to many across both the church and theological education. She will be missed by us at Auburn and the many people who were loved and supported by her.
In the words of her peers and friends:
In her 30-year tenure, President Wheeler transformed Auburn Theological Seminary into an important resource for the field of theological education. Now, as theological institutions use research and data to adapt to the needs of new generations of theological leaders, Barbara’s legacy continues. May her memory be a blessing for us all.
– Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, President, Auburn Theological Seminary
The sadness of hearing of Barbara Wheeler’s passing is balanced by profound gratitude to God for her gifts and her impact on the PCUSA, Auburn Theological Seminary, and me. Reflecting on the Peace, Unity, and Purity Report of 2006, I see how much Barbara’s involvement in that task force shaped my theological forbearance and my commitment to healing broken spirits, hearts, and systems. The task force did remarkable work in advancing the conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the PCUSA for ordination and service. Barbara didn’t just address issues; she sought to unite people for communal discernment, building relationships while celebrating diverse perspectives and fostering mutual forbearance in Christ as foundational for being a connectional church.
Barbara’s love for God’s grace was evident in her actions, helping position Auburn at the forefront of theological education within the denomination and beyond. I am also grateful for the personal inspiration she gave me and other Presbyterian students as Auburn prepared us for our ministries. Upon shaking my hand at my graduation, she remarked, “I am certainly glad one of my last duties as president is to hand you this award. We can’t wait to see the fruits of your ministry.” That personal vote of confidence laid the groundwork for Auburn’s commitment to foster and celebrate emerging leadership. Thank you, Barbara Wheeler, for your leadership and service. May your memory always be a blessing.
– Rev. Dr. Derrick McQueen, Board Chair, Auburn Theological Seminary
Barbara Wheeler had a strong and respected voice in the PC (USA). Her depth of knowledge in both theology and church polity helped direct and form the new framework for the reunited Presbyterian Churches, as well as the 11 theological schools of the denomination. When Barbara spoke, the people listened!
– Heath K Rada, Moderator, 221st General Assembly of the PC (USA)
I met Barbara a decade ago through her evaluation work. She immediately shared all the ins and outs of a theological landscape that I was just coming to love. When I was asked to come to Auburn, I called Barbara, who told me how much she loved Auburn, sharing the ups, the downs, and the deep 200-year history of an institution that was more than just a job to her… it was her vocation. She loved this work, and more importantly, she loved the why of her work: that the church and theological education could heal the world. May the ancestors welcome you President Wheeler.
– Rev. Patrick B. Reyes, Ph.D., Dean, Auburn Theological Seminary
Barbara Wheeler was an extraordinary president of Auburn Seminary who married her love for the church in service to the world of theological education. She founded the Center for the Study of Theological Education and offered her wisdom to scores of seminary leaders to strengthen their leadership, their schools and the overall enterprise. Barbara was a wise mentor and beloved companion on the journey for many of us, and we give thanks for her life and ministry among us.
– Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Auburn President 2009-2021
Barbara was truly a pioneer, among the first female presidents of a seminary, but also in her belief in the possibilities of what could be. As Barabara’s board chair for many years at Auburn Seminary, where she served for three decades, I saw firsthand her vision for encouraging excellence in theological education that was relevant, and how her beloved church could fully live into its Reformed faith tradition in making the world a better place in the name of our God. I’ll always remember Barbara as a mentor, a co-creator, an inspiration to make a difference. As Founder and Director of Auburn’s Center for the Study of Theological Education, Barbara made Auburn the authoritative go-to expert for literally every seminary in America. Her early commitment to multifaith education and engagement was at the leading edge of what now seems orthodox. She seemed to know everyone in the denomination, and they knew her. With her deep commitment to reconciliation and repairing breaches, she was genuine friends with many across a political and theological divide. Barbara leaves us with an amazing legacy, and she will be much missed.
– Rev. Dr. Mark Hostetter, Chair Emeritus, Auburn Theological Seminary