Anamnesis 52: February 2025

Anamnesis: The IWS Community Newsletter

Contents

• From the Editor: Transition and Hope, by Kent Walters
• Welcome President Constance Cherry!, by Eric Bolger
• President’s Column: I See God Moving, by Constance Cherry
• Chaplain’s Column: Waiting In Hope, by Nancy Nethercott
• Alumni Feature: Trent Lott
• Alumni News & Stories
• Former Staff Reflection by Cortlandt Bender
• Celebrating the Class of 2024
• Worship Seminar 2024 Memories
• 2025 Worship Seminar with Dr. Lester Ruth
• Introducing New Staff
• New Book: Advent to Ashes, by Dan Sharp
• Dr. Dinelle Frankland Retires
• Honoring Former Staff

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From the Editor:
Transition and Hope

By Kent Walters, D.W.S., Director of Alumni Activities

Transitions bring change. We’re all familiar with it. It happens in our personal lives, our families, our ministry, our work, and the world. For the believer, transitions may be challenging but they are laced with hope. Because we follow a faithful Shepherd who never leaves or forsakes us.

IWS has been in a season of change. Challenging, but hopeful.

This edition of the newsletter has been delayed due to my desire to wait for and properly announce several transitions, not the least of which is the announcement of our new president. As you read below, I trust you’ll be inspired with hope for the future for IWS. I am!

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Welcome President Constance Cherry!

By Eric Bolger, Ph.D., IWS Board Chair

“God gave Dr. Cherry a vision for IWS’s next 25 years. She calls this vision IWS 2.0.”

After discussion and prayer, the IWS Board of Trustees voted unanimously in January to appoint the Rev. Dr. Constance Cherry as President of IWS. Personally, I am thrilled with this appointment and confident that she will lead IWS well as it begins its second 25 years of existence.

Dr. Cherry and I speak often on the phone. She called me in December with great stories about how the Lord was at work at IWS. Amid this work, God gave her a vision for IWS’s next 25 years. This vision includes an IWS still deeply committed to its founding mission but also open to new things God has in store. She called this vision IWS 2.0. I was profoundly encouraged by her report and this new vision.

As Board Chair, it was my responsibility to help make her vision known to the Board of Trustees. At multiple meetings in January, the eight members of the board (including Dr. Cherry) engaged with this vision and prayerfully and enthusiastically affirmed it. With Dr. Cherry as the vision-bearer, and considering her excellent work as our Acting President, the board requested that she assume the permanent role of President to implement the vision. She prayerfully considered this invitation and then responded positively. Since her appointment as President, she has worked to fill in personnel essential to running IWS effectively. She has also initiated a strategic planning process for IWS and established an IWS 2.0 Council to solicit and provide input on next steps for IWS.

It has been a privilege for me to work with Dr. Cherry and other committed board members and personnel at IWS. God is indeed doing a new work among us! Thanks be to God!

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President’s Column:
I See God Moving

By Constance Cherry, D.Min.

IWS celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2024. We have had an amazing beginning to our school’s story. Did you notice that I said “beginning” of our story? Marking an anniversary of any kind is an occasion to do two things: recognize God’s faithfulness in the past and move forward into the future. Another chapter of our story is upon us as together we write the narrative for the next twenty-five years.

As we consider what God wants for our future, we begin with some questions. How have worship patterns changed in twenty-five years? How has western church culture modified? What features of worship in other cultures can change westerners? Are the questions being asked today different than those asked in 1999, when IWS began? What are the most urgent questions that an institute like ours must address?

These are the types of questions our founder, Robert Webber, was asking prior to 1999, when he started the institute. He was a forward-thinking person. His mind and heart were open to the Holy Spirit and thereby impassioned to renew Christian worship. His vision was dynamic. I wonder what he would see for the next twenty-five years.

For now, let me share with you what I see when I contemplate the ministry of IWS at this moment in time. I see God moving within IWS. God is calling us deeper into the mission we are given. Hope is rising within many people—students, faculty, alumni, Board of Trustee members, donors. I know this because they tell me. God is at work. God is doing a new thing!

I am drawn to the hope-filled words of Isaiah: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Forgetting the former things most certainly does not mean our history is irrelevant to the future. After all, we are “ancient-future” people! Our history is the foundation for the future. But we must call each season for what it is—its own time to become what God has in mind for that season. God is doing a new thing! Now it springs up; can we perceive it?

To our alumni—you are a very large company of saints whose work was not completed upon graduation. Perhaps more than anyone else, your community holds the potential to catapult our school into the new thing God wants to do. So many of you are eager to become active in new ways to add to the story. I know because you tell me so. Well, bring it on! Serve, give, recruit, share our story with possible donors, call your cohort to undertake something unique that will contribute to the story. Most of all, pray.

Faithful. Forward.

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Chaplain’s Column
Waiting In Hope

By Nancy Nethercott, D.W.S.

Recently, I’ve been sitting with Luke 2:22-40 about the presentation of Christ at the Temple. It’s a dramatic story with six characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, and the Holy Spirit. The setting is the temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after Jesus’ birth.

The presentation of all Jewish males was required by Old Testament law and necessitated an offering. Joseph and Mary came to do what they were required to do, anticipating a day of goodness and a normal presentation of their son. However, a righteous and devout man named Simeon entered the scene in a way none of them expected. Simeon was waiting in hope for the One who would bring consolation and comfort to Israel as the promised Messiah.

We meet another character in the drama that played out that day: a widow, Anna, who had also been waiting many years for the Messiah. Simeon and Anna’s waiting in hope was rooted in the words of the prophet Isaiah that the promised One would be a light for the Gentiles, would open the eyes of the blind, and bring freedom for the oppressed and captives.

It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. It seems he was elderly and had been waiting for a long time. Did he come often to the temple looking at all the young Jewish males wondering which one of them might be the Messiah, likely never imagining it would be a baby?

One has to wonder what a message like Simeon received would do to a person. We know what it did to Simeon. He was “constantly expecting the Messiah.” He was “living in expectation of the salvation of Israel.” He “watched and waited for the Restoration of Israel.” Simeon is a man on tiptoe, wide-eyed and watching for the one who would come to save Israel. Simeon was waiting with anticipation. Waiting expectantly. Eyes open. Searching the crowd for the right face and hoping the face would appear, maybe today.

On THIS day, Simeon was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go into the temple courts. And there he met the Messiah, as promised. “Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God; ‘Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which You prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel’” (Lk 2:28-32).

Recently, a quote by German theologian, Jürgen Moltmann, the “theologian of hope,” spoke deeply to me: “Hope is anticipated joy; anxiety is anticipated terror.”

Maybe you are in a season of waiting. Are you waiting in hope and anticipating joy and goodness? Or do you find yourself anxious and seeing only worst-case scenarios?

Throughout Scripture we read a common theme: “Wait for the Lord.” “Wait in hope on the Lord.” (Lam 3:25; Is 30:18; 40:31; 49:23). We are admonished to wait in hope ON THE LORD, not on the outcome we desire. Waiting in hope on the Lord and trusting in God’s promises is the example Simeon gives us. I desire to learn from Simeon how to wait in hope.

I want to invite you into the spiritual practices of Visio Divina along with Audio Divina. Visio Divina, or godly gazing, is the practice of meditatively gazing on an art piece or object while noticing what the Lord might be saying to us through the art. Audio Divina is listening to music in the same way. I invite you to gaze on Ron DiCianni’s “Simeon’s Moment” as you listen to “Now That I’ve Held Him in My Arms” by Michael Card. Ask the Lord to speak to you while you gaze and listen. Ask God to show you what He is inviting you to wait for and how He wants you to wait. Ask Him to help you wait with the posture of Simeon—waiting on the Lord in hopeful anticipation of joy and goodness.

May the Lord bless you as you wait in hope on the Lord!

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Alumni Feature: Trent Lott
How IWS Prepared Me for Chaplaincy

By Trent Lott, D.W.S. 2019

Trent is a Chaplain for Texas Health in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as Director of Worship and Liturgy at Cross and Crown Church in Roanoke, Texas.

“I couldn’t have asked for better preparation for my calling than what I received at IWS.”

Worship and Pastoral Care

When I began my journey at IWS, I was certain my future was in worship ministry. My plan was to serve as a worship pastor, leading God’s people in worship and song. But as I progressed through DWS program, I felt the Lord stirring my heart toward something unexpected—pastoral care.

At first, this shift was confusing. Why was I pursuing a degree in worship studies when my calling seemed to be leading elsewhere? But God revealed something profound at IWS: worship and pastoral care are deeply connected. To lead God’s people in worship is to shepherd them spiritually. Worship forms, comforts, and strengthens the body of Christ, meeting people in their joys and sorrows. This realization shaped my thesis and, ultimately, my calling.

I graduated from IWS in 2019, unsure of what lay ahead. Six months later, the world changed. COVID-19 disrupted communities and churches across the world. In the midst of this crisis I felt the Lord calling me to serve as a hospital chaplain—to bring pastoral care to those fighting for their lives and to support exhausted healthcare workers. Though I felt unqualified, I stepped forward in faith. As I began my work as a chaplain, I quickly realized just how well IWS had prepared me.

The Daily Work of a Chaplain

Chaplaincy is about meeting people in their most vulnerable moments. I work as part of an interdisciplinary care team alongside physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, and mental health providers. My role is to bring the spiritual and faith aspects of care into focus, helping my colleagues see how faith shapes healing, resilience, and the understanding of suffering.

Every day is different. I sit at the bedside of patients receiving devastating news, comfort grieving parents in the NICU, and pray with families as they say their final goodbyes. But there are also moments of joy—celebrating with patients in remission, witnessing miracles, and rejoicing with new parents. In both sorrow and celebration, I remind people that they are not alone, that God is near, and that their faith is a source of strength.

A Calling Shaped by IWS

“IWS set me on an incredible trajectory, equipping me with the tools, knowledge, and understanding to serve across traditions, cultures, and contexts.”

Chaplaincy requires serving people from all faith traditions and backgrounds. Because of my time at IWS, I was already familiar with different Christian traditions, theological perspectives, and liturgical practices. IWS equipped me to meet patients where they are, honoring their beliefs and providing spiritual care tailored to their context. Whether a patient is Catholic, Baptist, Orthodox, Pentecostal, or from a completely different background, I can offer care that is compassionate, informed, and theologically rich.

Looking back, I see the Lord’s hand in every step of my journey. At the time, I didn’t understand why God led me to IWS when my calling was pastoral care. But now, I see it so clearly—IWS was exactly where I needed to be. It gave me a foundation that shaped my ministry and my ability to serve in the unique and challenging world of chaplaincy and pastoral care.

IWS set me on an incredible trajectory, equipping me with the tools, knowledge, and understanding to serve across traditions, cultures, and contexts. I couldn’t have asked for better preparation for my calling than what I received at IWS.

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Alumni News and Stories

Esther Shin Chuang, D.W.S. 2019

It’s been five and a half years since I graduated from IWS, and my life has never been the same! I was a musician and worship leader before coming to IWS, but IWS opened doors for me to do worship teaching and training in different countries. Soon after I graduated, I became Pastor of Music and Worship at Church of the Savior in Wheaton, IL, which I loved! I mainly planned the music, but I also applied my multicultural studies (which was the topic of my doctoral thesis) by introducing multicultural songs and arts, and teaching theology behind a multicultural service. The church loved it, and they said it enriched their worship. I also did worship training for the worship leaders. 

I knew God was calling us to Southeast Asia, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I would be doing. Just a few months after moving to Malaysia, doors started opening. For the past three plus years I have taught biblical theology, history, and practices of worship at six different seminaries in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, and more). I have also trained multiple worship teams in different churches. In addition, my fellow IWS graduate Leon Lim and I lead worship conferences in various countries. The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few! We see the need and hunger for worship renewal in this side of the world. 

My husband and I are now pastors at George Town Baptist Church in Penang, and I have become a freelance writer on worship for Christianity Today. I also continue to perform piano concerts, sometimes featuring classical music, sometimes worship concerts intertwined with my testimony. All these ministries couldn’t have happened if I wasn’t equipped at IWS. I had a burning passion for worship for many years prior to attending IWS, but I felt like I was ill-equipped. I’m so glad for IWS and that I could study there and become equipped to train the nations! 

Laurie Lee Cosby, D.W.S. 2023

I am so grateful for my studies at IWS. I received a solid theological foundation for intergenerational communal worship that prepared me for my next ministry assignment. I am Minister of Music at Oakmont Baptist Church in Greenville, NC, and it is a great fit. I am the third IWS graduate the church has hired. I would not have gotten this job without my DWS from IWS. 

Clayton Faulkner, D.W.S. 2012

Clayton Faulkner was appointed Dean of the Chapel at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa this past August. He explains: “I began a discernment process that lasted several months. It included conversations with my family, spouse, colleagues, and my spiritual director. I opened the door to the possibility, and the Spirit did the rest. Throughout the process of discernment, there were too many coincidental things falling in place near flawlessly for it to be anything other than God’s orchestration.” Read more here. As a result of the move, Clayton also became the Pastor at Wiota Lutheran Church in South Wayne, Wisconsin.

Wallace Horton, D.W.S. 2005

Since retiring from full-time ministry in November 2015, Wallace has continued in fulfilling one of his primary retirement goals of being a resource to and serving the church at large. For the past seven years he has served as part-time Minister of Worship and Music at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Fairfax Station, VA, where he plans the worship services, directs the adult choir, trains the acolytes and lay readers, and plays for the worship services. In November 2024, Wally presented a Benefit Hymn Festival for Hurricane Relief at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, VA, where he served for 15 years. The festival raised over $6300 for the hurricane victims of Helene and Milton. His two books, Windows on Worship (Webber Books, 2021) and Windows for the Journey (2022),continue to be well-received. Wally serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and the Board of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO.)

Brian Hedrick, D.W.S. 2008

Brian retired from full time instrumental music ministry in April 2024, after almost 40 years serving in two churches in Arizona and Georgia. He now serves as a music director for Global Missions Project, a music missions organization created over 20 years ago to give musicians an opportunity to enter the mission field using their talent as a tool to reach people. Brian has participated in and/or led nine trips to seven different countries with GMP and is planning a trip to Romania in the summer of 2026 with the Celebration Orchestra, which is open to Christian musicians around the country and the globe.

Levi Henkel, D.W.S. 2021

Congratulations to Levi and Anna who welcomed the birth of Sophie on September 13, 2024. Levi is the Director of Music and Christ Church Anglican in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Jonathan Powers, D.W.S. 2013

In 2024, Jonathan Powers earned his Ph.D. from the London School of Theology, Middlesex University, with a dissertation focusing on The Practical Worship Theology of Robert E. Webber. Jonathan’s research highlights Webber’s distinctive contribution to worship studies: a practical worship theology for American evangelicals that centers on Christological proclamation and participation through the integration of traditional liturgical practices and contemporary forms. The dissertation proposes that at the heart of Webber’s work is his dedication to preserving Christological content and praxis in worship in order to inspire American evangelicals to adopt practices that evoke congregational participation in proclaiming and enacting the story of Jesus.

Jonathan’s dissertation explores four principles that define Webber’s vision: the recovery of historic Christian practices (historic-rootedness); an emphasis on God’s narrative in the worship of the church (narrative quality); the active participation of the congregation in worship (participatory engagement); and the recalibration of the evangelical experiential dynamic of worship as participation in the saving work of Jesus Christ (evangelical character). Jonathan hopes that his work can offer a compelling framework for continued academic study of Webber while also compelling churches to engage in their own practical theological work as they learn to adapt and expand upon Webber’s insights, planning worship experiences that foster participation within their congregations while remaining faithful to long held theological principles and Christological practices. Jonathan hopes to publish his work in book form soon.

Cathy Vitek, M.W.S. 2008, D.W.S. Candidate

While called to worship ministry, I’m currently serving as Children’s and Family Ministry Pastor. After years of denominational lament that youth and young adults were leaving the church, seeming to fade away after being confirmed, I felt God’s nudge to the DWS program because I realized that our approach to the spiritual formation of our youngest needed to change. I felt a deep call to try to discern how a child’s experience of worship impacts their sense of belonging to God and to the church community.

I’m so thankful for all I have learned at IWS! Even before finishing the degree, what I’ve learned from classes, research, practica, professors, my cohort, and the IWS community has encouraged me to slowly address important concerns in our children’s spiritual formation. Positive change is already taking place. The pastoral team has been receptive to incremental change, and we’ve made great strides in being more inclusive of our kids, their abilities, energy, and helping them understand their membership in our worshiping community. Our worship leaders are learning to teach songs so that non-readers and early readers can participate in the worship songs. The pastors who write liturgy have a growing understanding of how the words they use impact a child’s ability to participate. Children are learning to lead worship. They write, rehearse, and lead congregational prayers, offer dramatic scripture readings, and have even introduced sung Psalm responses to the congregation! There is more work to be done for sure, but our worship service is becoming a place where kids know they belong. Praise be to God!

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Former Staff Reflection

By Cortlandt Bender, Zeta and Omicron cohorts, former staff member

“I’m grateful for the legacy of Bob Webber and IWS.”

I met Bob Webber in 1983, as I was beginning the Schuyler Institute for Worship and the Arts. We immediately recognized our mutual interest in worship, theology, and the arts. My interest was rooted in the recognition that theological education lacked practical application and understanding of the potential for people to express their faith through the arts.

While at a conference together in 2001, Bob told me that he was beginning IWS.  I bought in because I wanted to support his vision. Though I didn’t finish my degree, I treasure the time I had as a student and member of the support staff as a sexton, and worship production and media advisor from 2002 to 2015. I have marveled and cheered as IWS made strides through the accrediting bodies to the current and always appreciated ATS accreditation. The academic rigor partnered with practical application makes the MWS and DWS robust degrees that are annealed in the classroom and through interaction with students and faculty alike.

This institution is for me not only a place where my theological understanding has grown and continues to grow as I serve the church, but also a place where I have come to understand the gospel through people. The relationships I developed at IWS are life giving and lifelong. I retired from church ministry in 2020, but the faith and nurture that I received at IWS stays with me and profoundly guides me as I continue as a worshipper and as a consultant.

Bob Webber and I may have had similar ideas, but the productive soil of the Institute for Worship Studies goes far beyond what I imagined. It feeds not only the intellect, but also the soul. The fruit of the labor of those in this field matures, ripens, and gives rich nourishment to the worshiping church worldwide. At IWS, barriers caused by institutional biases are broken, so that the Light of the World can be viewed and believed without denominational constraint while still honoring the differences. 

I am grateful for each faculty member and their individual contributions to my growth and life. I am grateful for the support staff including kitchen, administration, library, and more. I recognize and appreciate the hard work of the presidents I have known, Robert E. Webber, Jim Hart, and Constance Cherry. I look forward to what God has in store for the beautiful gift that is IWS.

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Celebrating the Class of 2024

IWS held our 23rd Commencement Service on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Congratulations to the 24 graduates of the Class of 2024! We celebrate these alumni and their accomplishments: 11 D.W.S. grads, 3 A.G.C.W.S. grads, and 10 M.W.S. grads. Well done!

In our 25 year history, IWS has conferred 768 degrees to 732 graduates. 36 have earned both M.W.S. and D.W.S. degrees. Thanks be to God!

• 464 D.W.S. degrees
• 61 A.G.C.W.S.
• 242 M.W.S. degrees

Click to view the 2024 Commencement photo galleries.

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Worship Seminar 2024 Memories

Over 45 alumni and friends gathered at IWS during the June 2024 session in Jacksonville for the 2-day Worship Seminar: “Theology & Practice–IWS Faculty Perspectives on Transformative Worship” that featured 8 IWS faculty members: Dr. Amy Davis Abdallah, Jeff Barker, MFA, Dr. Doug Curry, Dr. Andrew Hill, Jennifer Nicholson, Dr. Carl Park, Dr. Alan Rathe, and Dr. Dan Sharp. As always, mealtime fellowship and an alumni gathering at a local restaurant were additional highlights.

Click here to view the entire photo gallery of the Worship Seminar Event 2024.

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June 2025 Worship Seminar

Doing God’s Story in Worship: Assessing the Impact of Christian Nationalism on the Church’s Sanctuary

Our next seminar is scheduled for June 23 & 24, 2025, featuring former IWS faculty member, Dr. Lester Ruth on the topic: “Doing God’s Story in Worship: Assessing the Impact of Christian Nationalism on the Church’s Sanctuary.”

This seminar will be a meeting of two important considerations. The first will be classic theologies of worship that help us understand the wonder of what we get to engage in as the Church in worship. The second will be a look at types of Christian Nationalism—past and present, here and elsewhere—as those perspectives find expression in Christian worship. We will use the theologies to get a better appraisal of what’s happening in Christian Nationalism-influenced worship.

Lester presented a worship seminar at IWS in 2017 that attracted over 50 participants and was enthusiastically received: “When the Music Fades (or Not): Exploring the Historical Origins and Development of Contemporary Worship.” We anticipate equal enthusiasm for our June 2025 seminar.

For more seminar information and to register CLICK HERE.

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Introducing New Staff

This past fall, IWS hired four new staff members, each of which have demonstrated great skill in their field and commitment to the IWS vision. Emil Albertini, Chief Financial Officer; Joel Johnson, Director of Advancement; Rachel Kirk, Administrative Assistant; and Dean Moyer, D.W.S. 2003, Director of Student Recruitment. And, as of February 10, 2025, Dean assumed an expanded role of administrative service to IWS adding management and operational duties as the Executive Assistant to the President.

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New Book: Advent to Ashes, Volume I

By Dan Sharp, D.M.A.

Dr. Jack Van Marion and I have been teaching The Christian Year (DWS 703) as spiritual formation since June 2000. I have served as a minister of music for over forty years in various churches throughout the country. In 2005, I was serving for one year in a startup church to help the church make a strong beginning. That one year turned into seven years during which time I became more involved in teaching and preaching. I had a passion to help the church grow deeper in its spiritual formation.

It seemed that people were looking for something with theological depth to guide them through the Advent season. Too often the commercially developed Advent materials touched only the surface, but our parishioners were eager for more depth. A walk through the Christian Year gives us a Holy Spirit perspective on the sacred nature of time. The Christian life is about burrowing deeper and deeper into our faith. I decided to write a daily devotional book for the Advent season. We grew from printing these booklets for the congregation, to offering free email subscriptions. The list grew to 1,000 subscribers from around the world. In response to requests to write for the entire year, and after prayer, I’ve written a new book, Advent to Ashes, Vol.1, (also available in e-book) which covers each day from Advent to Ash Wednesday. It is the first of four anticipated volumes which will cover the entire Christian Year.

Each devotional begins with a passage of Scripture, often from the lectionary. I endeavor to show the unity of the whole of Scripture, pointing out how Jesus is related to the passage regardless of the Testament. I then seek a contemporary application asking the question, how will the reader live out this passage? And what difference will it make in their future?  The third component is a classical to contemporary vocal or choral musical offering chosen for each day from some of the best musicians and ensembles worldwide which are accessible via a QR code. Then, the devotional concludes with a prayer from a past saint or current sinner. Each book is crafted to match the season no matter the date when Advent begins or Easter falls, reaching through 2075. So it’s never out of date.

I’m grateful that Bob Webber asked Jack and me to teach DWS 703 twenty-five years ago. The class has so enriched my life and continues to reform me. This writing is simply a practical outgrowth and application of what we teach. I am prayerful that these books will deepen one’s relationship with Jesus, that people will take time to encounter him every day, and that they will take time to be introduced to glorious music of all kinds from around the world and to prayers from centuries of Christians. Time on earth is brief and encountering Jesus each day is essential with eternal consequences. My hope is that this book will contribute to this end.

Click here to order your copy.

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Dr. Dinelle Frankland Announces Her Retirement as Academic Dean

By Constance Cherry, D.Min.

Dinelle Frankland, D.W.S. 2004, announced the conclusion of her role as IWS Academic Dean, a position she has held for nearly eight years. While she will continue to teach MWS 501, she eagerly anticipates more time to “enjoy the retirement that she has worked hard to attain.” She will now focus on what she enjoys most, teaching.

Dinelle’s administrative service to IWS is an honored one, beginning as Associate Dean for the MWS from 2015-2017, and then succeeding Dr. Eric Ohlman as Academic Dean from 2017 to the present. She has led us through much growth and change. Her many contributions include:

• Implemented pre-campus online courses designed to prepare Master’s and Doctoral students in MWS 501 and DWS 701 for the rigors of scholarship and writing (while not adding to the time necessary to complete the programs).
• Gave leadership to expanded academic assessment, emphasizing rubrics.
• Created, developed, and trained faculty on the semi-synchronous method of learning for COVID 2020-2021.
• Guided the process for accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools by maintaining timelines, establishing criteria, managing reports and more, in preparation for visits by the ATS evaluative teams.
• Guided the hiring of seven new faculty members.
• Guided the challenges/changes required by the ATS self-study report.
• Provided faculty support and development through regular training on current issues related to the academy.
• Led curriculum reviews.
• Provided guidance in both course management systems and software additions.

We owe Dr. Frankland a debt of gratitude for serving so long, so well. We all look forward to ongoing fellowship with her as she continues to serve IWS. She writes, “I am hopeful for the future of our school, and will do my best to help move it forward.”

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Honoring Former Staff

By Dinelle Frankland, D.W.S. 2004

Jennifer Nicholson

Jennifer Nicholson, M.W.S. 2022, resigned her position as Library Director in November, 2024, in order to accept a full-time position with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services. This appointment is an opportunity supremely suited to her skills and goals. 

Jennifer was a tremendous blessing to IWS over these past two and a half years. As an M.W.S. graduate, she came to the library position eager to improve the quality and efficiency of services offered to our students. While learning the role, she fast tracked through a Master’s Degree in Library Science along the way, using her course projects to enhance the offerings of the IWS library. 

Jennifer earned the respect and appreciation of our students, developing and launching multiple updates and guidelines for the benefit of research and lifelong learning. Always willing to take on tasks outside of her job description, she accomplished her work with an eye toward excellence, a kind spirit, and the goal of service for the Kingdom. She expressed her appreciation saying, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire team for the valuable experience and support provided during my time at IWS. It has been wonderful to work with such a dedicated team.”

Nichole Sullivan

In January 2023, Nichole Sullivan, D.W.S. 2022, took on the role of Communications Director for IWS. With a keen insight into the immediate need to improve our online footprint, she launched initiatives to increase IWS’ social media presence, establish appropriately relevant email campaigns, develop search engine optimization, and monitor the ongoing maintenance of website design and information. During 2023, she worked extensively with a marketing consultant to help improve the visibility of IWS, especially as related to prospective students.

In her two years of service, social media and online presence grew exponentially. She worked behind the scenes with administration and staff to guide the maintenance and updating of all forms of communication.

In addition, Nichole was instrumental in developing and carrying out the campaign to celebrate IWS’ 25th anniversary, including creating videos, sharing stories, and reminding our constituents of our rich and meaningful history. 

Recently, Nichole resigned her role at IWS, noting that she is “deeply grateful for the experiences and relationships cultivated at IWS during my time as both a student and employee.”

Both Jennifer and Nichole remain proud alums and supporters of IWS. We thank them for their invaluable service to the ongoing ministry of IWS!

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