Terrence L. Johnson, director of religion and public life and Charles G. Adams Professor of African American Religious Studies at Harvard Divinity School, has been appointed the next Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean of Candler School of Theology at Emory University, according to a May 8 announcement. Johnson will begin his five-year term on Aug. 1, after Dean Jonathan Strom concludes his tenure and returns to the faculty full-time.
The appointment is significant for Emory as Candler School of Theology remains central to the university’s identity and mission. The school sought a leader who could build upon its strengths in scholarly excellence, ecumenical openness, and commitment to educating leaders for church ministries worldwide.
“The Candler community sought a leader who will build upon the school’s strengths, including a faculty whose scholarly excellence is matched by deep commitment to their students, a community animated by ecumenical openness, and a commitment to educating faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world,” says Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Johnson is well positioned to work with faculty, staff, students and church leaders to advance Candler’s strategic initiatives and priorities while forging connections across disciplines and denominations.”
Interim President Leah Ward Sears said: “Candler School of Theology remains central to Emory’s identity and mission as it has for more than a century. Dr. Johnson will be an outstanding dean to lead the school into the future.”
Founded in 1914, Candler is one of 13 seminaries affiliated with The United Methodist Church (UMC) as well as one of seven graduate professional schools at Emory University. The school enrolls over 500 students with 40 full-time faculty members offering multiple master’s degrees along with other programs.
Retired UMC Bishop William T. McAlilly said: “During the interview process, Dr. Johnson impressed us as a leader who is well prepared to fulfill the unique mixture of academic, administrative and philanthropic roles as dean… At the same time, his scholarly engagement with religion in public life and his experience building partnerships across faith traditions will enrich Candler and extend its Christian commitments in new ways.”
Johnson brings experience from Harvard where he expanded interfaith relationships through donor support for programming such as launching the Black and Jewish Leadership Initiative in 2021 that gathered professionals from various fields together.
Reflecting on his appointment Johnson said: “I am deeply honored and excited to join Candler School of Theology… I am excited about working with the Candler community to build on its strengths… I believe Candler can be the perfect place to facilitate engagement around vital issues of our time.”
His background includes leadership roles at Georgetown University advancing public scholarship on race & religion; he also holds degrees from Morehouse College (undergraduate), Harvard Divinity School (master’s), Brown University (PhD), was recently recognized by NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice fellowship program in constitutional law & history; he has authored several books exploring democracy & ethics within African American religious thought.
Badia Ahad thanked search committee members for their dedication during this national search process: “We sought a dean who would be a strong advocate for our students faculty and institution—and in Dr. Johnson we found exactly that… Thanks to [Dean Strom’s] steady leadership…the school is well positioned for its next chapter.”
