Academy Member New Positions and Promotions

ACADEMY OF HOMILETICS
NEW POSITIONS AND PROMOTIONS, 2026-2027

Jeff Crittenden

Appointed as Sessional Lecturer at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto.  Jeff continues to serve as Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Huron University (London, Ontario).

Joshua Theuppitynegro Lazard

Appointed as Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and Religion at Washington and Lee University, beginning in August 2026.

Veronice Miles

Named Interim Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, effective July 1, 2026.  This is a two-year appointment.  Veronice currently serves as the Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce Professor of Preaching and the Director of African American Church Studies.  You can read more here.

Katrina Olson

Appointed as Assistant Professor of Worship, Ritual, and Community Engagement at Union Presbyterian Seminary, beginning July 1, 2026.  Katr previously served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Theology at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California.  You can read more here.

Fr. Benjamin Roberts

Appointed to develop new parish in Waxhaw, North Carolina, the first new parish in the Diocese of Charlotte in decades, in response to significant growth.  Benjamin is the current president of CATH.  You can read more here.

Joni S. Sancken

Appointed to Vice President of Vancouver School of Theology on January 1, 2026.  Joni currently serves as the Butler Chair of Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation at VST.  You can read more here.

David M. Stark

Accepted the position of Director of Preaching Ministries with Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church starting July 1, 2026.  He will lead initiatives that equip clergy and lay preachers across the denomination with resources, training, and networks to strengthen the ministry of preaching.

Warren Thomas Swenson

Appointed as Instructor of Homiletics with the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, effective July 1, 2026.  Warren is currently the Associate Director of the University of the South’s SUMMA Theological Debate Program.  You can read more here.

Lisa L. Thompson

Appointed as President of Union Theological Seminary in New York City, effective July 1, 2026.  Lisa previously served as the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Black Homiletics & Liturgics at Vanderbilt Divinity School.  You can read more here.