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Board of Trustees
Winter Meeting Workbook
January 26th – 27th , 2017
BOT Meeting January 26 - 27, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Agenda
Actions and Conversations Roster of Committee Members Board Minutes: October 2016 Meeting Board of Trustees Directory Demographics of Board Members 2017 Board Meeting Dates Board of Trustees Travel
SECTION 2 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Report of the President SECTION 3 BOARD AFFAIRS
Committee Description SECTION 4 INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES
Committee Description
Report of the Chief Financial Officer/Administration Report of the Office of Development NBTS Proposed Investment Policy Proposed Contract with Attorney of the Corinthian Partners case
SECTION 5 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE
Committee Description Report of the Dean of Seminary Report of the Dean of Students Bio-Remediation Plan - Update
SECTION 6 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES
Committee Description Proposed Strategic Plan
Board of Trustees Winter Meeting
January 26-27, 2017
AGENDA
Thursday, January 26, 2017
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Board Affairs Committee – President’s Meeting Room
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Board Plenary I - Room Mast Chapel
3:30 pm – 5:00pm Board Committee Meetings I
Institutional Resources – Room 115
Academic & Student Life – Room 111
Institutional Structures – Room 201-A
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner
Friday, January 27, 2017
8:15 am – 8:30 am Morning Prayers – Chapel
8:30 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast – Hageman Hall
9:00 am – 10:30 am Board Committee Meeting II
Institutional Resources – Room 115
Academic & Student Life – Room 111
Institutional Structures – Room 201-A
10:45 am – 12:00 pm Board Plenary II - Room 205
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch – Conversation with Faculty Staff: Strategic Plan
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Board Plenary III - Room 205
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Executive Session
3:00 pm Adjournment
Actions & Conversations
Board of Trustees Winter Meeting
January 26 - 27, 2017
AREA TAB ACTIONS CONVERSATIONS
1. Board of Trustees Approval of Minutes October 2016
2. President and Moderator Reports
3. Board Affairs Report of the Presidential Search Committee in Executive Session
4. Academic & Student Life
Report of the Dean
Report of Dean of Students
5. Institutional Resources Revised Investment Guidelines
Retention of Richard Mills as Counsel
6. Institutional Structures
• Approval of Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Review
Roster of Committee Membership
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
2016 • 2017
Board Affairs ~ President’s Office
Barbara Felker, Chair
Rich Glendening
Michael Bos
Anna Jackson
Bart Strong
Gregg Mast, Administration
Institutional Resources ~ Room 115
Richard Glendening, Chair
Michael Bos
Liz Hance
Cathy Lewis
Peter Henry
Russell Paarlberg
Evans Spagner
Sandra Timmons
Ken Termott, Administration
Jaeseung Cha, Faculty
Virginia Wiles, Faculty
Academic and Student Life ~ Room 111
Carol Kuhlthau – Chair
Danielle Brown
David Choi
En Young Kim
Diane Tice
Dean Zimmerman
Will Ashley, Administration
Beth Tanner, Faculty
Faye Taylor, Faculty
Institutional Structures ~ Room 112
Deb Sterken, Chair
Barbara Felker
Fernando Jensen
Greg Jackson
Gay Morris
Bart Strong
Amaury Tanon-Santos
Elizabeth Testa
Gregg Mast, Administration
Lorena Parrish, Faculty
Raynard Smith, Faculty
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Board of Trustees Minutes
Fall Meeting
October 27-28, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Present: Michael Bos, Diane Tice, Anna Jackson, Carol Kuhlthau, Richard Glendenning, Peter
Henry, Elizabeth Hance, Gay Morris, Bart Strong, Gregory Jackson, Dean Zimmerman, Russell
Paarlsburg, David Choi, En-Young Kim, Danielle Brown, Deb Sterken
Excused: Cathy Lewis, Fernando Jensen, Amaury Tanon-Santos, Barbara Felker, Evans
Spangler
Staff: Ken Termott, Joan Marshall, Will Ashley
Ex-Officio: Gregg Mast, Tom DeVries, Liz Testa
The meeting was called to order at 3:10pm with introduction of new trustees.
The Moderator, Anna Jackson gave a brief report, including an overview of how transitions will
be made looking towards Dr. Mast’s retirement and the search for a new president of the
seminary.
Dr. Mast gave the President’s report. Highlights include restoration and refurbishment of Sage
Library, programs and classes utilizing the facilities at NBTS, transitions required upon the
resignation of the Director of Development, an upcoming bioethics conference, formation of the
presidential search committee, investigation into financial losses, progress of a new strategic
plan, and that the $8M goal of the comprehensive campaign has been met.
Committee meetings took place from 3:30 to 5:00pm, followed by a dedication at Sage Library
at 5pm.
Friday, October 27, 2016
Present: Michael Bos, Diane Tice, Anna Jackson, Carol Kuhlthau, Richard Glendenning, Peter
Henry, Elizabeth Hance, Gay Morris, Bart Strong, Gregory Jackson, Dean Zimmerman, Russell
Paarlsburg, David Choi, En-Young Kim, Deb Sterken, Barbara Felker, Evans Spangler
Excused: Cathy Lewis, Fernando Jensen, Amaury Tanon-Santos, Danielle Brown
Staff: Ken Termott, Joan Marshall, Will Ashley
Ex-Officio: Gregg Mast, Tom DeVries, Liz Testa
The meeting was opened at 8:15am with a worship service led by Evans Spangler. Committee
meetings followed from 8:30am to 10:30am.
The plenary session convened at 10:45am with a message from Tom DeVries, the General
Secretary of the General Synod of the Reformed Church of America.
2016-22: It was moved (Peter Henry), seconded, and voted unanimously to accept the minutes
of April 28-29, July 27, and September 21, 2016 with the minutes of July 27 and September 21
be listed as conference calls rather than as meetings.
Board Affairs – Michael Bos
Action Items:
2016-23: It was voted unanimously to approve that the process for the presidential search be a
private, confidential process without public dissemination of candidate identities.
The new trustees each gave a brief introduction of themselves.
The Conflict of Interest and Annual Declaration for the Board Members of the New Brunswick
Theological Seminary were distributed and signed or read as appropriate to the document.
Academic & Student Life Committee – Carol Kuhlthau
Action Items
2016-24: It was voted unanimously to approve Dr. Beth Tanner’s proposal for a sabbatical for
the Spring, 2017 semester.
2016-25: It was voted unanimously to grant Dr. John Coakley the title and rank of Professor
Emeritus for his thirty-two years of distinguished service to our seminary.
2016-26: It was voted unanimously to approve the motion that the undersigned officers of the
board of trustees for New Brunswick Seminary hereby certify that the institution’s governing
board has authorized the application for Middle States Accreditation candidate status and
declared that the institution will make free available to the Commission accurate, fair, and
complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations.
2016-27: It was voted unanimously to amend the mission statement of the Reformed Church
Center Charter by adding “3. Inviting other traditions to join in conversations around issues that
are of concerns to the Reformed Church and are of relevance to the whole Church.”
Institutional Resources – Richard Glendenning
Action Items
2016-28: It was voted unanimously to replace the current investment policy asset mix to reflect
targets of 70% global equity (range 60-80%), 25% fixed income (Range 20-40%), and 5% (0-
25%) alternatives.
2016-29: It was moved (Richard Glendenning) and seconded (Peter Henry) and voted
unanimously to go into executive session.
Executive Session Minutes are located in permanent records.
2016-30: It was moved (Richard Glendenning) and seconded (Peter Henry) and voted
unanimously to go out of executive session.
2016-31: It was voted unanimously to approve the external audit as submitted.
Institutional Structures – Deb Sterken
Actions
The trustees, faculty, and staff ranked eight items for the strategic plan. A final plan will be
provided to the board at the January 2017 meeting.
Board Affairs – Anna Jackson
Conversations
The presidential search committee has been organized. The search process will be informed by
input from the multiple constituencies of the seminary.
Gregory Jackson emphasized the importance of some financial contribution from each trustee.
Pledge forms were distributed.
Academic & Student Life Committee – Carol Kuhlthau
Conversations
The importance of embracing and expressing creativity and innovation to the life and survival
was discussed, as was the current challenge of preparing students for work that may not be
directly in a church.
Institutional Resources – Richard Glendenning
Conversations
The committee has discussed hiring an investment consultant to monitor the investment
managers and to communicate with the committee. Jim Sonneborn from Regent Atlantic went
through the investment policy and policy asset mix with the committee.
Information flow and maintenance of relationships during transitions engendered by the
resignation of the Director of Development and the retirement of the President of the seminary
was discussed. It is hoped that there will be a new president identified before Dr. Mast’s
retirement in June, and hiring of a new development person will occur shortly thereafter. There
are some scenarios that will help establish continuity and maintain relationships with friends of
the seminary.
Institutional Structures – Deb Sterken
Conversations:
Conversations centered around the institutional plan.
2016-32: It was moved (Peter Henry), seconded (Liz Hance) and voted unanimously to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by
Respectfully submitted,
Diane G. Tice
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Board OF TRUSTEES 2016 -2017
2017 (2011)* The Rev. Michael S. Bos 306 W. 77th Street New York, NY 10024 (O) 212.787.1566 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown 84 Lewis St. Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 (C) 804.386.7488 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2019 (2016) The Rev. Dr. David Choi 63 Leavitt Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 (C)609-977-7184 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2017 (2014) Ms. Barbara A. Felker 175 Huguenot Street, Unit 2001 New Rochelle, NY 10801-0477 (H) 718.776.1706 (O) 516.881.7090 (C) 917.881.1464 [email protected] Board Affairs, Chair Institutional Structures 2017 (2014) Mr. Richard (Rich) Glendening 22 Peace St. Pella, IA 50219 (C) 515.657.2457 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Resources, Chair
2017 (2010)* Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Hance Treasurer 712 A Sussexway Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (C) 732.947.9898 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) Mr. Peter Henry, Esq. 15 Hunters Circle Lebanon, NJ 08833 (H) 908.287.1207 (O) 973.348.5366 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2012)* The Rev. Anna Jackson Moderator 94-79 Springfield Blvd. Queens Village, NY 11428 (C) 917.375.0837 [email protected] Board Affairs 2016 (2013) The Rev. Gregory J. Jackson Vice-Moderator 79 Allen Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 (C) 201.481.2932 [email protected] Institutional Structures 2016 (2013) The Rev. Dr. Fernando E. Jensen 3714 Marietta Way Saint Cloud, FL 34772 (C) 407.655.9385 [email protected] Institutional Structures
2017 (2014) The Rev. En Young Kim 636 Bogert Rd. River Edge, NJ 07661 (O) 201.566.4883 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2018 (2015) Dr. Carol C. Kuhlthau 50 Allison Rd. Princeton, NJ (H) 609.497.1556 [email protected] Academic & Student Life, Chair 2016 (2013) Mrs. Catherine (Cathy) A. Lewis 1164 VanCurler Avenue Schenectady, NY 12308 (H) 518.382.0579 (C) 518.428.5830 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) Mrs. Gay K. Morris 3958 Mt. Vernon Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (H) 323.299.4180 (C) 323.428.6294 [email protected] Institutional Structures 2017 (2016) Russell Paarlberg, Esq. 938 West US 30 Schererville,IN 46375 (C)219.864.1700 [email protected] Institutional Resources
Board OF TRUSTEES 2016 -2017
2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Evans Spagner 5 King Richard’s Ct. Watchung, NJ 07060 (H) 908.322.5574 (C) 908.656.2325 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2017 (2011)* Mrs. Deborah P. Sterken 268 Maple Ave. Holland, MI 49423 (H) 616.392.4663 (M) 616.405.8993 [email protected] Institutional Structures, Chair 2017 (2014) Mr. Barton (Bart) Strong 6 Silverbirch Blvd. Mount Hope, Ontario L0R1W9 (H) 905.679.3632 (C) 905.518.5669 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Structures 2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Amaury Tañón-Santos 45R Reading Rd. Edison, NJ 08817 [email protected] Institutional Structures
2017 (2015) Dr. Diane G. Tice Secretary 8409 Indian Hill Rd Manlius, NY 13104 (O) 315.684.6140 (H) 315.682.5439 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2018 (2015) Ms. Sandra Timmons 170 Prospect Ave. #17K Hackensack, NJ 07601 (H) 201.489.9468 (C) 917.623.9895 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2019 (2016) Dr. Dean Zimmerman 7 Sussex Road East Brunswick, NJ (C)848-391-5285 [email protected] Academic & Student Life EX-OFFICIO The Rev. Dr. Gregg A. Mast 35 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (O) 732.247.5241 (C) 518.859.2114 (F) 732.249.5412 [email protected]
The Rev. Dr.Tom De Vries Gen. Secretary, Ref. Church in America 4500 60th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (O) 616.698.7071 (F) 616.698.6606 [email protected] **************************** The Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Testa Women’s Transformation & Leadership Reformed Church in America 35 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (O) 616.541.0897 (C) 646.646-4744 [email protected] Institutional Structures
DEMOGRAPHICS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
New Brunswick Theological Seminary 2016 • 2017
* Indicates a trustee is serving a second term. Revised 06/2015
1
Male Female Clergy Ethnic/Minority Ex-Officio
Bos* Brown Bos* Felker De Vries
Choi Felker Brown Brown Mast
Glendening Hance* Choi Choi
Henry Jackson, A* Jackson, A* Jackson, A*
Jackson, G Kim Jackson, G Jackson, G
Jensen Kuhlthau Jensen Jensen
Paarlberg Lewis Kim Kim
Spagner Morris Spagner Morris
Strong Sterken* Tanon-Santos Spagner
Tanon-Santos Tice Tanon-Santos
Zimmerman Timmons Timmons
NBTS Graduates Trustees from the Regional Synods, RCA
Brown 2010 RSA Lewis (2016)
Felker 2012 RSC Strong (2017)
Jackson, A* 2000 RSH Glendening (2017)
Jensen 1991 RSM-Am Paarlberg (2017)
Kim 2001 RSFW Morris (2018)
Mast 1976 RSM-At Hance* (2017)
Tanon-Santos 2011 RSNY Jackson, A* (2017)
RSGL Sterken* (2017)
DEMOGRAPHICS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
New Brunswick Theological Seminary 2016 • 2017
* Indicates a trustee is serving a second term. Revised 06/2015
2
Members of the RCA Members of Other Denominations
Bos* Brown Baptist
Felker Choi PCUSA
Glendening Jackson, G Baptist
Hance* Kuhlthau Methodist
Henry Spagner Baptist
Jackson, A* Tanos-Santos PCUSA
Jensen Timmons Baptist
Kim Zimmerman Non-Denominational
Lewis
Morris
Paarlberg Sterken* Strong Tice
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020
Bos* Brown Jackson, G* (Choi)
(Choi) Henry Jensen* (Paarlberg)
Felker Jackson, A* Lewis* (Zimmerman)
Glendening Kuhlthau
Hance* Morris
Kim Spagner
(Paarlberg) Tanon-Santos
Sterken* Timmons
Strong
Tice
(Zimmerman)
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
BOT Meeting Dates
2016 - 2017
January 2017
Thursday, 26 – Friday, 27
April 2017
Thursday, 27 – Friday, 28
October 2017
Thursday, 26 – Friday, 27
Board of Trustees Travel
Accommodations (New Location)
The Heldrich Hotel NEW BRUNSWICK
10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone #: (732) 729-4670
Hotel Parking:
*****Driving Directions - from the Heldrich to the Morris Street Self Parking
Garage
10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 TO 70 New Street, New
Brunswick, NJ 08901
Depart RT-171 / Livingston Ave toward New St
Turn left onto New Street
Arrive at 70 New St, New Brunswick, NJ
The last intersection is George St / CR-672. If you reach Neilson St, you've gone
too far.
***Walking Directions - from Self Parking Garage to the Heldrich Hotel
70 New Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 TO 10 Livingston Avenue, New
Brunswick, NJ 08901
Depart New St toward George St / CR-6720
Turn right onto RT-171 / Livingston Ave
Arrive at 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ on the right
The last intersection is New St. If you reach Monument Sq, you've gone too far.
To save on parking expenses – trustees can park their cars in the seminary lot
and use the hotel shuttle service.
Shuttle Service:
For those who have requested shuttle service, please remember to cancel or
reschedule shuttle service 1 hour prior to pick-up. Call 1.800.427.3207 and give the
operator your confirmation number to reschedule or cancel. If service is not rescheduled
your reservation will be canceled and the seminary will be charged for the unused
reservation and the new reservation if service is not canceled within 1 hour prior to pick-
up.
1
President’s Report
Board of Trustees, New Brunswick Theological Seminary
January 26, 2017
It always gives me great joy to welcome the Board back to campus and to
our agenda of hope for this seminary we love and serve. On Saturday, January 28th
I will mark the eleventh anniversary of my installation as your president, a memory
that grows richer with each passing year. This January’s meeting presents us with
two important decisions regarding our future and the gracious hints of God’s
evolving future for us.
1. New Strategic Plan
For the past two years the Institutional Structures Committee has led us
through a process of imagining a new strategic plan for our seminary. You
may remember that the accreditation visit of the Association of Theological
Schools in the fall of 2014 mandated that we create a new plan to replace a
strategic plan we adopted in 2007 and which guided us toward the decisions
to sell a portion of our campus in order to construct this building and rebuild
our endowment and reserves. As we turn to the proposed strategic plan
found in your workbook after Tab 6, we are grateful for the work of the
committee and especially Dr. Bart Strong who have led us through a process
of reflection and visioning. We have planned a lunch with the faculty
tomorrow to begin to translate the five goals identified in the plan into
measurable objectives which will be presented to the Board at its April
meeting for review.
2. Response to Financial Loss
One of the most painful experiences of my eleven years as your president
was the dramatic loss of assets under the management of Corinthian Partners
and Victoria Van Dyke. In response to the loss, the Institutional Resources
Committee has worked over the last seven months, in consultation with
investment professionals, to craft a revised set of guidelines for our
investments. The new Investment Policy can be found after Tab 4 and awaits
action by the Board at this meeting. In addition, the Committee has retained
the services of Regent-Atlantic for a $25,000 annual fee to review monthly
the investment results of our four managers and to make sure that they are
acting in compliance with the Guidelines. Finally, the Committee has placed
before the Board a proposed contract with Richard Mills, who has already
begun to explore the grounds for a settlement with Corinthian Partners and
Victoria Van Dyke, to reimburse some or all of the losses which occurred in
2
the their portfolio between October, 2015 and the end of April, 2016 when
we discharged Victoria Van Dyke. We believe that our communication in
October of 2015 to Ms. Van Dyke, and acknowledged in writing by her,
directing her to move to a conservative investment strategy, gives us a
foundation for success in this matter.
3. Presidential Search Committee
We are grateful to Anna Jackson and Michael Bos, who co-chair the
Presidential Search Committee, and to Trustees Evans Spagner, Carol
Kuhlthau and Greg Jackson who also serve on the Committee. We have
carved out the last half hour of our agenda to meet in executive session to
receive an update from the Committee. It remains our firm hope that we will
have a single candidate to introduce to the Board at our April meeting.
4. Building Use
One of the more exciting parts of moving into our new facility has been the
significant increase it has received from community groups. We are
particularly grateful to welcome to Grace Chapel, a congregation of the
Christian Reformed Church which now worships in our building on Sunday
evening, Tuesday evening, and early Saturday mornings. As you may know,
Graceway Chapel which is pastored by Dr. David Choi and which has
worshiped in our building for last four years also uses our facilities on a
weekly basis. In the first six months of this fiscal year, we have hosted 85
events by non-seminary groups which contributed $63,734 toward our
budget. Michelle Sanders, when she assumed her role as my executive
assistant a year ago, also assumed the title of Special Events Coordinator for
which we are deeply grateful.
5. Library Update
At our October Board meeting, we celebrated the conclusion of the work on
the exterior of the library. Through the generosity of our friends and
supporters, we spent approximately $300,000 to clean and repair the exterior
of Gardner Sage. It was our hope that following the completion of this work
we would quickly turn our focus to re-plastering, re-painting and re-
carpeting the interior. A final inspection of the exterior work however
revealed that in spite of water sealing the two ramps on the north side of the
library, a significant leak remained in the brick work above the east ramp.
The weather was not cooperative in the needed repair, but it has been finally
finished and we can now turn toward the interior including addressing issues
of air quality in the basement immediately below the leak. We are delighted
3
to announce that $200,000 from the Comprehensive Campaign has been
moved by the donors from the undesignated category to the Library
Refurbishment budget which will allow us to address our interior concerns.
I am also delighted to report that we have concluded the campaign with a
total of $8.2 million, an amount in excess of our goal and a great tribute to
our donors.
6. Enrollment
The issue of enrollment is one that has moved from being important to
essential to our plans and future. We are grateful that our enrollment for the
spring semester is a little higher than the fall semester and so this year’s
adjusted budget is certainly realistic. However, the Association of
Theological Schools (ATS) which observed three years ago that 75% of
seminaries were experiencing enrollment decline has recently increased the
number to 90% of the 275 seminaries that belong to ATS. It is clear that we
are facing a dramatic shift in the church culture in North America that is
impacting our mission and very existence. We continue to explore new
markets of potential students, new degrees and new programs to extend our
mission into the world. I think it is fair to observe as we imagine a new
strategic plan and call a new president to serve this seminary we love, that
the issue of enrollment and our mission now needs to be the single most
important focus of our life and planning.
7. Homiletics search
After the departure of Dr. Bernadette Glover, our professor of preaching, in
June of 2015, we pursued a search for her replacement. Quite frankly, we
were not convinced that among the candidates who applied last year we
would find our person, and so we mounted a new search this school year.
The initial response of 45 possible candidates gave us hope. The Search
Committee, which includes Trustees Danielle Brown and Michael Bos, has
narrowed the field and will host two final candidates in these last two weeks
of January. Assuming the committee and the president can come to a
positive conclusion to the search, I will present to the Board a final tenure
track candidate by way of a conference call sometime in the next month.
8. Middle States
For decades, New Brunswick Seminary has talked about the possibility of
applying for accreditation from Middle States. Although our accreditation
with the Association of Theological Seminaries is adequate for our students
and our mission, an additional accreditation by the association that reviews
4
the work of all of the colleges and universities and a few seminaries in the
Middle States region, would position us to seek partnerships with secular
educational institutions. Through the leadership of Dean Ashely and the
faithful work of Dr. Terry Smith, we hand delivered last week our
application to Middle States. To give you a sense of the enormity of this
project, the largest addendum to the application included thirty two
documents totaling more than 1,800 pages! While the process includes both
a self-study and a site visit, we have begun and are delighted.
Allow me to conclude this report with a word about our April meeting.
Through the leadership of our Board Officers, we are planning a retirement
banquet on Friday evening, April 28th. This will require trustees to spend an
extra evening and perhaps night here in New Brunswick. I am looking
forward to this time when we will recall our journey together and give
thanks for God’s faithfulness in our work.
Board Affairs Committee
Purpose: The Board Affairs Committee is responsible for strengthening and supporting Board
commitment and function.
Responsibilities: In consultation with the President and the moderator, Board Affairs is to:
1. Promote the development of the Board of Trustees as a spiritually unified and
mutually supportive body.
2. Provide orientation for new members, educational opportunities and materials to
enhance the Board’s effectiveness and awareness of its responsibilities, as
expressed in the Constitution and By-Laws and the Declaration for Board Members.
3. Ensure the continued strength of the Board by presenting the names of well-
qualified, diverse and committed nominees for the Board and the Board’s executive
offices.
4. Administer the Declaration for New Trustees and oversee orientation and training.
5. Contact members who were absent from Board meetings to communicate major
issues and decisions.
6. Keep the Board informed about issues and developments in theological education.
7. Provide evaluative materials for the board to exercise its oversight of the President
and its own work.
8. Recommend polices, procedures and by-law amendments that strengthen the
board’s commitment to the seminary’s mission.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
New Brunswick Theological Seminary 2016 • 2017
* Indicates a trustee is serving a second term. Revised 06/2015
1
Male Female Clergy Ethnic/Minority Ex-Officio
Bos* Brown Bos* Felker De Vries
Choi Felker Brown Brown Mast
Glendening Hance* Choi Choi
Henry Jackson, A* Jackson, A* Jackson, A*
Jackson, G Kim Jackson, G Jackson, G
Jensen Kuhlthau Jensen Jensen
Paarlberg Lewis Kim Kim
Spagner Morris Spagner Morris
Strong Sterken* Tanon-Santos Spagner
Tanon-Santos Tice Tanon-Santos
Zimmerman Timmons Timmons
NBTS Graduates Trustees from the Regional Synods, RCA
Brown 2010 RSA Lewis (2016)
Felker 2012 RSC Strong (2017)
Jackson, A* 2000 RSH Glendening (2017)
Jensen 1991 RSM-Am Paarlberg (2017)
Kim 2001 RSFW Morris (2018)
Mast 1976 RSM-At Hance* (2017)
Tanon-Santos 2011 RSNY Jackson, A* (2017)
RSGL Sterken* (2017)
DEMOGRAPHICS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
New Brunswick Theological Seminary 2016 • 2017
* Indicates a trustee is serving a second term. Revised 06/2015
2
Members of the RCA Members of Other Denominations
Bos* Brown Baptist
Felker Choi PCUSA
Glendening Jackson, G Baptist
Hance* Kuhlthau Methodist
Henry Spagner Baptist
Jackson, A* Tanos-Santos PCUSA
Jensen Timmons Baptist
Kim Zimmerman Non-Denominational
Lewis
Morris
Paarlberg Sterken* Strong Tice
Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020
Bos* Brown Jackson, G* (Choi)
(Choi) Henry Jensen* (Paarlberg)
Felker Jackson, A* Lewis* (Zimmerman)
Glendening Kuhlthau
Hance* Morris
Kim Spagner
(Paarlberg) Tanon-Santos
Sterken* Timmons
Strong
Tice
(Zimmerman)
Institutional Resources Committee
Purpose: Institutional Resources Committee is responsible for oversight of fiscal
matters and the preservation and expansion of assets, both financial assets
and the physical plant.
Responsibilities: In consultation with administration and faculty, the Institutional Resources
Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Trustees and
facilitate essential tasks such as the following:
Budgets
Audit
Long range financial planning
Physical property management
Invested asset management
Alumni/ae Relations
Office of Communications Report
The Communications office has been incredibly busy and productive. In an effort to strengthen
and reinforce our brand, our brand system is increasingly being applied to all communications
from the Seminary. Similarly, we have been working to establish a common format for our
printed materials, especially including all of our forms, beginning with application
forms. We’ve developed and updated a set of multi-use marketing materials for the school and
for our program offerings.
We recently sent out an Alumni newsletter after a few months without one. A plan is being
developed to make our alumni communications significantly more timely and engaging - this
will include a revamped section on the website for Alumni News as well as regular emails.
We partnered with Dr. Raynard Smith to successfully promote the Bioethics conference and
videotape the presentations. The keynote address video is posted on our website, along with a
number of other video content from the past year.
Our website is continually being updated - not only frequent information and content updates,
but also improvements in organization of and navigation through our information.
We have a firm commitment to the increased use of social media - currently primarily Facebook
and Twitter, and we are continuing to explore ways to use social media for quick/timely
communications as well as platforms for the development of community engagement online.
The office has provided support to the presidential search committee, primarily in the forms of
email support, development of promotional materials, and consultation on communication
strategies for the committee.
As we look toward the spring, we look toward continued development of our communications
infrastructure (continued improvements to our utilization of social media, website organization
and content improvements, and an effort to actively promote our programs in the local, national,
and global media.
Office of Development Report
Since our last meeting, The Development Office has successfully created and distributed the
following materials to respective NBTS constituency:
-Pledge reminders were sent to all that have given in 2014-2015 consecutively.
-The 2016 NBTS Annual Report and Year End Mailing(written by Dr. Will Ashley)
-2016 Christmas Cards
-Trustee Circle Directory, which is a list of all former trustees from 1985 through today was sent
to all members so they have the opportunity to reconnect.
Grants/Asks:
-Funding requests were submitted to five Foundations, Congregations and individuals.
-Grant updates have been sent to Marble Collegiate Church.
Building a New Future Comprehensive Campaign:
-We have successfully surpassed our goal of $8million.
Cultivation/Stewardship:
-Dr. Mast and Ramona Larsen visited churches to give updates regarding the Comprehensive
Campaign and Library improvements.
Raiser's Edge:
-Raiser's Edge test module was sent to Ramona and reviewed. The status of the Development
Office database for the implementation of Raiser's Edge NXT is good.
Gregg Mast Retirement:
-The book is being written and the request for sponsors has been drafted. This invitation to
support the project will go out in the next few weeks.
-Preliminary planning has begun for the 3 retirement events which will take place in NJ, NY and
MI.
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Chief Financial Officer Report
January 2017 Board Meeting
Revenue
1. Tuition revenue is below budget because a Certificate Program and
D-Min class did not materialize.
2. Private Gifts and Grants are below budget at this time - new appeal letters
are being prepared by the Development Dept. to be mailed out.
3. Other Sources of Income are ahead of the Budget because of increased
use of our building.
Expenses
1. The instruction expense line is down from last year because we are functioning
with two fewer full time faculty positions. Search processes are in place and at
at this time, the classes are being taught by adjunct faculty.
2. The Academic expense line is over budget because of increased costs of software
Licenses and increased cost for Library Database usage.
3. The Plant and Operations expense line is above the budget because of seasonal
expenses for the fall maintenance and the purchase of winter supplies for the
upkeep of sidewalks and parking lot.
In Total
1. Even though we are little behind in revenue against our Budget, we are hopeful
that the Spring semester will be bring us into line with the budget. Our expenses
are below budget and we will continue to monitor them.
Year to Date Year to Date Year to Date Prior Year to
Actual at Budget at Variance at Date Actual at
12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2015
Operations
Revenue
Educational & General Revenue
Tutition and Fee Revenue $591,699 $645,604 ($53,905) $636,302
Private Gifts & Grants $406,862 $509,374 ($102,512) $336,144
Income From Donor Restricted Funds $329,634 $344,602 ($14,968) $249,634
Other Sources of Income $99,620 $84,250 $15,370 $77,747
Income from Unrestricted Funds $220,000 $224,006 ($4,006) $210,000
Total Educational & General Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827
Total Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827
Expenditures
Educational & General Expenditures
Instruction $488,377 $523,315 $34,938 $423,709
Academic Support $274,341 $264,552 ($9,789) $230,705
Institutional Support $811,229 $870,815 $59,586 $887,099
Plant Operations & Maintance $206,617 $197,225 ($9,392) $235,580
Scholarships $112,642 $137,812 $25,170 $161,174
Total Educational & General Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267
Total Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267
Net Operations Surplus/(Deficit) ($245,391) ($185,883) ($59,506) ($428,440)
Non - Operations
Depreciation
Educational & General Assets $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080
Total Depreciation $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080
THIS REPORT IS UNAUDITED AND FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Combined Income Statement
As of December 31, 2016
Page 1 of 1
Year to Date Year to Date Year to Date Prior Year to
Actual at Budget at Variance at Date Actual at
12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2015
Operations
Revenue
Educational & General Revenue
Tutition and Fee Revenue $591,699 $645,604 ($53,905) $636,302
Private Gifts & Grants $406,862 $509,374 ($102,512) $336,144
Income From Donor Restricted Funds $329,634 $344,602 ($14,968) $249,634
Other Sources of Income $99,620 $84,250 $15,370 $77,747
Income from Unrestricted Funds $220,000 $224,006 ($4,006) $210,000
Total Educational & General Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827
Total Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827
Expenditures
Educational & General Expenditures
Instruction $488,377 $523,315 $34,938 $423,709
Academic Support $274,341 $264,552 ($9,789) $230,705
Institutional Support $811,229 $870,815 $59,586 $887,099
Plant Operations & Maintance $206,617 $197,225 ($9,392) $235,580
Scholarships $112,642 $137,812 $25,170 $161,174
Total Educational & General Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267
Total Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267
Net Operations Surplus/(Deficit) ($245,391) ($185,883) ($59,506) ($428,440)
Non - Operations
Depreciation
Educational & General Assets $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080
Total Depreciation $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080
THIS REPORT IS UNAUDITED AND FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Combined Income Statement
As of December 31, 2016
Page 1 of 1
Academic and Student Life Committee
Purpose: The Academic and Student Life Committee is responsible to attend to the academic
structure, policies and programs of the Seminary, as well as student issues and concerns to
ensure that the stated educational philosophy, aims, and purposes of the Seminary are
accomplished in accord with the mission of NBTS.
Responsibilities:
1. Ensure that all academic activities are carried out within the mission of NBTS.
2. Be familiar with the academic structure, curricula, admission, and graduation
requirements of the Seminary; and review recruitment, retention, and placement data to ensure it meets strategic objectives.
3. Ensure that the Seminary provides an academic program characterized by excellence
in teaching, scholarship, and intellectual climate, and that it nurtures the formation of
degrees, certificates, and dispensations. This includes ensuring that the excellence of
the academic program is maintained through consistent and rigorous use of assessment
and documentation, and a review of academic policies and programs.
4. Review and address the needs in the lives of students, for example, assessing
communal and individual student life, ensuring that the worship and spiritual life of
students are attended to, assessing housing needs, and advocating for financial
resources for students.
5. Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on matters concerning academic
policies to be added to the Faculty Handbook, the approval of new degree programs,
the granting of degrees to appropriate candidates, the granting of certificates of fitness
for ministry to RCA candidates and the approval of alternate means for satisfying
theological requirements for RCA candidates.
6. Make recommendations regarding searches, tenure, promotion, leave, and other faculty
policies to the Board of Trustees.
NEW BRUNSWICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY
The Reverend Dr. Willard W C Ashley, Sr. Dean of the Seminary – Associate Professor, Practical Theology
Report to the Board of Trustees, January 2017
January 20, 2017
1. Allow us to celebrate! We officially submitted the initial application for Regional Middle States
Higher Education Accreditation. This is a three-year process at best and can be longer if NBTS
hits a bump. Under the able leadership of Dr. Terry Smith, we are on the right road to reach
this goal of Middle States Accreditation. We thank Dr. Terry Smith for working with
administration, staff and faculty to compile and write what amounts to about 2,000 pages.
The documents were sent electronically and hand delivered. We already see the benefits of
incorporating more rigorous accreditation standards and policies, which major universities
utilize.
2. The trainer for our integrated Blackbaud system will be on campus for one week in the early
part of this February 2017. We will soon after be able to hit the on switch and welcome NBTS
into new way of doing business. Our sincere thanks to Yasha People who said over one year
ago, “We can do this!”
3. And then there were three. We are in what we hope are the final stages of our search process
for a Professor of Homiletics and Worship. We started with 45 candidates. We have narrowed
our process to three candidates who have been invited to our campus. We hope to have a
candidate to present to the board within the next few weeks.
4. We are happy to announce the next step in our Undoing Racism, ARTT initiative. April of this
year our Field Education supervisors and local New Brunswick community leaders will sit
together on our campus for the same two and a half-day training that our board experienced.
Our thanks to Drs. Faye Taylor and Michael Granzen who are leading this effort.
5. Please offer words of thanks to our faculty and staff for such a smooth transition into our new
84 credit MDIV Curriculum. The expected bumps were few. In each case, we came up with a
workable solution for the student. Our assessment feedback on the new curriculum is positive.
6. We offer thanks to Dr. Lorena Parrish for the successful revision of our DMIN Handbook. She
and Dr. Kim Credit as cohort director, launched our DMIN Cohort in Transformational
Preaching in January 2017. Pray with Dr. Parrish as she envisions what our Metro Urban
Ministry programs will look like under her leadership.
7. We celebrate the wonderful work of Jeanette Carrillo, who is supervising our Spanish speaking
certificate program in Paterson, New Jersey. We expect this program to grow within the
Greater New York Metro area.
8. Finally, I am pleased to announce the release of the book, Engage: A Theological Field
Education Toolkit, edited by Matthew Floding, Duke Divinity School. I contributed a chapter on
pastoral care. Same pew: please congratulate Dr. Faye Taylor who agreed to serve on the
planning board for the Association for Theological Field Educators (ATFE).
Respectfully submitted,
Willard W C Ashley, Sr.
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Joan Marshall - Dean of Students
Report to Board of Trustees - January 2017
Admissions
1. See attached Enrollment Plan for 2016 – 2018
2. Growing NBTS is a monthly meeting designed to engage in creative enrollment management.
The stated purpose is to grow the seminary in numbers and in depth. Representation at the
meeting include: the President, Dean of Students, Dean of the Seminary, faculty members,
Communications Director, Director of Library Services, and Director of the NY campus. The
conversations have been very fruitful and some plans have been implemented. The areas of
discussion, research, and action include:
o Effectively engaging denominational leaders
o Developing the certificate program as a feeder for master level programs
o Engaging the universities that surround our campuses
o Engaging alumni in a more significant manner
3. The next new program to “roll- out” is the DMin in Metro Urban Ministry slated to begin Fall
2017. We are very excited about this program and believe many students will sign-up quickly.
4. The Student Services department is eagerly anticipating the implementation of the Blackbaud
software to enhance and expedite the enrollment process.
Retention
There have been three, Saturday morning communication workshops facilitated by a Rutgers
instructor. On average eight NBTS students and guests were in attendance. It was very well
received by all. The workshop topics were communications boot camp, public speaking, and
writing for research.
Support
This Christmas season the three NBTS student groups (SSIM, KOSAN, AOBS) enjoyed a very
merry Christmas party. Eight NY students came in a van and enjoyed the food and
fellowship. In the rush of a commuter context it is good to take time and commune in a
relaxed setting.
Placement
Students have the benefit of attending Career Services workshops. These will take place
once again in February on both the NY and NJ campuses. The workshops are facilitated by
an experienced outside vendor- B.E.S.T. Talent Management. The in-depth workshops work
together with the denominational receptions sponsored by the President. Denomination
specific receptions take place monthly and allow students and leaders to connect. Students
learn the requirements for ordination in their own, in other denominations.
Community
Students care for each other and demonstrate this by praying for each other’s burdens. When a
personal or family tragedy occurs, the Dean of Students sends out a prayer request and the
student in need has the benefit of knowing that many people is praying for him or her.
Administration
This past semester the Dean of Students had an intern from the Rutgers School of Social Work.
This intern was studying non-profit management and marketing. It was very good to have his
assistance to complete various long awaited projects.
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New Brunswick Theological Seminary (revised 2016)
2016-2018 Enrollment Plan
Mission Statement Called in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, New Brunswick Theological Seminary participates in God's own
laboring to fulfill God's reign on earth.
Rooted in the Reformed tradition and centered in its trust of God's sovereignty and grace, the Seminary is an inter-
cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith, learning, and scholarship committed to its metro-urban and global
contexts.
Our mission is to educate persons and strengthen communities for transformational, public ministries in church and
society. We fulfill this mission through creative, contextual, and critical engagement with texts, traditions, and
practices.
The Seminary seeks to serve men and women of all ages, church traditions and racial/ethnic backgrounds with
academic programs suited to their needs. Students are welcome to study full or part-time, day and evening.
The Seminary draws upon the resources of its university contexts for graduate instruction in a variety of academic
disciplines. Located in a socially diverse, religiously plural and racially mixed metropolitan culture, the Seminary
seeks the integration of a classical theological education with the effective practice of ministry in urban, suburban and
rural churches and institutions.
Environmental Scans
External Environmental Scan -
Opportunities
Since 2009 The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), member schools have:
graduated record numbers of non-MDiv students with the 2013 number of 8,240 the highest
ever reported since ATS began keeping records in 1978;
enrolled and graduated record numbers of professional MA students;
enrolled record numbers of academic MA students , now at their highest levels ever at 9,459,
up 5 percent since 2009;
enrolled record numbers of minority students;
enrolled record numbers of international student with the peak reached in 2010 at 6,550.
(The Association of Theological Schools; The Commission on Accrediting, February 20, 2015)
NBTS is an independent, mainline Protestant school that serves racial /ethnic constituencies. Non-white
populations of North America are growing and so are the enrollment of African Americans and Hispanics
in theological schools. (In Trust, “Sobering figures point to overall enrollment decline”, Spring 2013, Vol.
24, No 3.)
Students who have a strong church background, have been brought up in church, and have
ministry/church leadership experience are more likely to seek out seminary education than those who
2
are newer to the church. There is also an upsurge in the number of 20 year olds as well as people in
their 50s & 60s who are enrolling in seminary. (In Trust, “Sobering figures point to overall enrollment
decline”, Spring 2013, Vol. 24, No 3.)
Challenges
1. The state of the church in the United States is changing, and the rapidity of change is increasing. ATS schools serve a religious reality that is changing deeply and pervasively.
Pew Research indicates that overall religious adherence has declined. A large number of religious attenders have changed denominations at least once; a growing percentage of the population is generically religious but without any particular religious involvement.
From several reports we learn many denominations are declining both in membership and in their ability to serve as an organizing center for congregational ministry.
Gallup surveys indicate that trust in religious institutions has been declining and continues to decline.
Studies indicate that congregational practices are changing: expressions like clapping and raised hands in worship services have increased, and printed bulletins and robed choirs have decreased. We know that an ever-larger percentage of religious attenders are active in larger membership congregations.
One study indicates the characteristics of people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, and a recent study indicates that the majority of persons who claim a kind of spirituality are, in fact, engaged in religious practices.
The Center for Applied Research for the Apostolate states that the US Roman Catholic Church will become majority Hispanic and Asian before 2030. While the number of Catholics continues to increase, the number of weekly mass attenders lags. (ATS State of the Industry Webinar transcript – September 18, 2015)
2. North American theological schools are facing major challenges in the early years of the 21st century. The recession of 2008 hit seminaries and divinity schools hard, but even before the financial downturn, they were facing declining enrollment and soaring overhead. This downward turn reflects the general decline in church attendance for mainline denominations. (In Trust, Spring 2013).
3. Another observation is found in the explicit decision of the University Senate of the United
Methodist Church in 2007 to remove NBTS and other seminaries close to the Methodist
Seminary at Drew from the approved list of institutions for their candidates. At the time of this
action, 10-15% of NBTS student body was Methodist. Over the last few years the African
Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has encouraged their candidates to look more closely at
Drew as a Methodist institution, as well as at Payne Seminary in Ohio and ITC in Atlanta. NBTS
has watched a steady decline of AME students over the last few years. There have been,
however, overtures to and from the Bishop and President of Payne which may reverse this
trend.
3
4. International student visas are declining due to homeland security restraints and other nations
limiting visas.
Internal Environmental Scan
Opportunities Data indicates (In Trust) that the demographic diversity (age, race, gender) seen at NBTS is a growing sector for seminary enrollment.
Additionally the following changes within NBTS give the seminary a competitive edge:
1. The NBTS five-year strategic plan ranks positioning the seminary as a global resource for Urban
Ministry as a top priority.
2. Expanded usage of the new building in rental opportunities has broadened the NBTS brand and
connection with Rutgers and the surrounding community.
3. The new professional MA in Ministry and Community Leadership requires 39 credits to
complete. This degree opens up new markets for the Seminary.
4. Distance learning offerings have increased - 30% (Fall 2015)
5. The Director of Communications has increased the effectiveness of NBTS branding.
6. Library refurbishment and New Library Director have expanded the visibility and usage of the
Library.
7. The successful completion of a three-year, $8 Mil capital campaign has strengthened the
Seminary’s financial foundation.
8. Increased efficiency in customer service is anticipated for spring 2017 with the implementation
of Blackbaud, an integrated student management system.
Challenges
There has been, in the last six years, a dramatic drop in enrollment from about 100 FTEs to about 70
FTEs in the fall of 2013. This 30% drop has caused a significant shortfall in the seminary budget. With
each FTE valued at about $14,000 annually, it means this drop of 30 FTEs over the last five semesters is a
loss of income of more than $400,000. (From Gregg Mast’s report to the Board Sept 2013)
Additionally, the seminary is challenged by:
1. Curriculum revision in 2015 which allowed many students to graduate earlier than they
anticipated. The largest class in NBTS’s history graduated in 2016. The effects of this shift are
still being felt.
2. There is a need to institutionalize Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM). SEM is a total
institution, administration initiated and data driven endeavor.
3. Currently one full-time recruiter works to bring students to both campuses. There is a need for
expansion in both NY and NJ with recruitment personnel and resources focused on the NY
campus.
4. Relatively limited scholarships are available to current and incoming students, making full time
enrollment a challenge.
5. The Seminary is working on increasing the marketing budget to meet the Seminary’s needs.
4
Strategy for Enrollment
Prospective students enter seminary because they are influenced by a relationship with God, church,
theological perspective and society. (NBTS ESQ 2016-17 chart 16) Relational methods of engagement
are necessary for recruitment purposes.
In light of the external and internal environmental challenges and opportunities, the enrollment team of
the Seminary has decided on the following strategy in both our New York and New Jersey campuses:
I To Continue the following activities:
1. Contact and visit targeted pastors/congregations/associations to present the programs of the
Seminary;
2. Represent the Seminary at regional/ denominational conferences;
3. Solicit students to recommend prospective students through the ‘Give Me Five’ campaign;
4. Market and hold monthly Information Sessions for small groups on NY and NJ campuses;
5. Manage and follow - up inquiries that come through various points of entry to move
prospective students from inquiry status to enrollment status;
6. Communicate to organizations renting the NJ facility regarding program offerings;
7. Respond to campus visit requests allowing the NJ campus to sell itself.
II To Expand in the following areas to enlarge prospect pool:
1. Outreach to local NY, NJ undergraduate sectors including:
Religion and philosophy departments;
Career Services Departments at Christian colleges;
Campus ministries in all of their diversity.
2. Train a diverse team of ambassadors to attend events in NY and NJ.
Train in New York four ambassadors;
Train in New Jersey five ambassadors.
3. Expand targeted social media recruitment campaigns:
Enhance Prospective Student website design features.
III To Recommend for seminary wide approval and participation:
Strategic focus on the development of NBTS as an international resource for urban ministry;
Denominational connections with leaders, current students and prospective students using
Presidential Receptions;
Certificate Program expansion with financial incentive towards masters level degree
completion;
Stronger ties with various Christian colleges, graduate programs, denominational bodies;
5
Intentionally offering continuing education opportunities for hospital and military chaplains
to attract prospective students;
Continuing Education opportunities for congregations;
Request and install NBTS Signage on NY campus;
Enhance services for NY campus so students are enthusiastic about word-of-mouth
recruitment;
Institutionalize a strategy for attracting millennial students. Over 2 – 3 days invite students
to experience the seminary as it addresses issues of justice and addresses the spiritual needs
of “nones”.
Markets
Primary Focus: Prospective students with a desire to deepen the theological foundations of their faith in order to strengthen their ability to provide ministry in the 21st century. Our degrees MA(academic) – pastors, educators moving toward PhD, Christian educators,
MA (professional) – leaders in various vocations that desire to enhance their ministry,
leadership and social engagement skills
MDiv – pastors, youth ministers, chaplains, church planters, non- profit directors, cross
cultural workers, counseling/ spiritual direction,
DMin – pastors/ denominational leaders, community leaders
Secondary Focus:
Prospective international students
Certificate – lay leaders, educators, professionals for our Certificate Programs.
Lay leaders, educators
6
Positioning Statements
New Brunswick Theological Seminary is uniquely positioned as a seminary of choice for the following
reasons:
NBTS develops leaders - Pastors, congregational leaders, chaplains, teachers, businesspersons (2009
NBTS AQ Tables 10, 13, 14, 15)
Strengths –
1. Historic – oldest Protestant seminary in North America
2. New Building occupied in the fall of 2014
3. New 30% Hybrid courses
4. Flexible full time/part time scheduling options
5. Relational Faculty
6. Intimate learning settings
7. Affordability
8. Metro urban (& global) focus
9. Diversity
10. Grads go into the pastorate, chaplaincy, education, community, and business leadership
11. A satellite at St John’s University that bolsters enrollment
12. Both campuses located within large universities providing great opportunity for collaboration
and visibility
Challenges –
1. Limited onsite permanent/ commuter housing;
2. Relatively limited scholarships;
3. Currently limited continuing education classes/certificates while the market is wide open
4. Technologically challenged by limited online application capacity and no online registration
capacity
5. No established alumni association.
Competitive Set
Tier 1 (Direct Competitors):
Princeton
NY Theological Seminary
Drew
Alliance Theological Seminary/ Nyack
Palmer
7
Key Differentiators
Practical hands- on ministry emphasis
ARTT – in 10th year of 20 year process to dismantle institutional racism
Accessible, evening-school orientation
Smaller community- low faculty student ratio
Urban ministry focus
Location – Central Jersey – on NJ Transit line
Location – most eastern accredited seminary in NYC at St. John’s campus
Enrollment Objectives and Goals
Fall 2017 Budgeted FTEs 93 Current FTE 70 Difference 23 FTEs or 276 credits
Currently enrolled 70 FTE’s – approximately 124 Students
Graduating – 15 students - Approximately 75 credits
MDIV, MA
Quantity – Masters Level – Additional 23 FTE’s in a combination credits taken
Master of Divinity
MA(A) Pastoral Care and Counseling
MA (B) Ministry and Community Leadership
Quality – MDiv 2.5 GPA, MA 3.0 GPA
Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, International, Denomination
Yearly - 2016
Inquiries - 100
Applications 70
Completed applications 55
Acceptances 50
Confirmations 45
Enrolled- 40 Fall 30- Spring- 10 NJ Fall – 20/ Spring –6 ; NY Fall 5 – Spring 4
Yearly - 2017 - Projected
Inquiries - 200
Applications 120
Completed applications 90
8
Acceptances 80
Confirmations 70
Enrolled- 60 Fall 40- Spring- 10 NJ Fall – 25/ Spring – 10; NY Fall 10 – Spring 5
Yearly -2018 Projected
Inquiries - 300
Applications 130
Completed applications 100
Acceptances 90
Confirmations 80
Enrolled- 70 Fall 50- Spring- 20 NJ Fall – 30/ Spring – 20; NY Fall 20 – Spring 15
DMIN
Quantity – DMin – 15 per concentration
Tranformational Preaching (Spring 2017)
Pastoral Care and Counseling /Pastoral Theology
Urban Ministry (Fall 2017)
Total – 45 students
Quality – MDiv also varies by concentration
Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, Denomination
CERTIFICATE
Quantity – Certificate – 10 per Program
Theological Studies – NJ/NY
Gospel Music - NJ
Expository Preaching – NJ/NY
Ministry Studies - NJ
Youth and Young Adult- NJ
Total – 70 students
Quality – Certificate – H.S. Diploma
Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, Denomination, Location
9
Markets – where do our markets come from?
Website
Website is a major recruiting tool
Denominations
African Methodist Episcopal
Adventist
Baptist
Disciples of Christ
Lutheran
Non-denominational
Pentecostal
Presbyterian
Reformed
United Church of Christ
Ethnic specific associations within each denomination
Professions
Pastors/Ministers
Chaplains – military, hospitals, hospice
CPE programs
Professional associations
Social Workers – accepted in both programs – Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham, Silverman (formerly
Hunter)
Teachers/ Christian Educators
Writers
Lawyers
Financial services
Law Enforcement
Schools-(on file)
Rutgers – Dept of religion
Pillar
St. Johns
Newark School of Theology
College of New Rochelle
Alliance: Nyack & Manhattan campuses
Drew Univ
Princeton Univ.
Catholic universities
Undergrad religion depts. – (We offer preaching classes)
10
Graduate religions depts.
Campus Ministries
Graduate
Undergrad
Churches
Area churches – churches served by our alumni
Data bases
Financial Aid application to NBTS
Publications – Positive Community
Social Media –
Blog Site – Btheos (faculty)
Media Campaigns
internet carriers
public relations
virtual fairs
Alumni /Development Dept.
Locations
Northern NY Albany
Long Island
(Creative scheduling allows for long commuters to study in concentrated manner. 76% travel 1
hr. or more to school)
Iowa
Michigan
NY Metropolitan Area
Global
Tri-State area
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Appendix A
Strategies for moving an Inquiry to Enrollment
1. Recruitment personnel completes follow-up with prospective student to the point of submission
of application using spreadsheets monitor applications;
2. Admissions Associate completes follow- up with prospective student to the point of submission
of completed application and tuition deposit using spreadsheets;
3. Registrar completes cycle with prospective students to the point of registration using Campus
Everywhere program
The numbers are monitored at each step in the process. Various school personnel participate in the
attempt to get students enrolled. NBTS anticipates the implementation of Blackbaud to assist in moving
an inquirer to an enrolled student.
Recruiting system
Website inquiry/Call
1. Email within 24 hours
2. phone call – with invitation – 48 hours
3. Letter with a p.s. to action – within 1 week
4. Electronic packet with materials – within 1 week – if no visit
5. Follow – up call or email - 2 weeks
6. Follow – up with appropriate caller
Monthly Information Sessions
1. Immediate email or letter– to thank you for coming within 24 – 48 hours
2. Call within 1 week from appropriate person – professor or student
3. Letter – 1 week later with dates
4. Follow- up- within 3-4 weeks
Campus Visit/walk in
1. Same as Information session
Table response
1. Same as website inquiry
Cold contact – (people who have not contacted us but we have reached out to them)
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Recruiting Goals - (D, W, M Q, Y) for inquiries, applications, completed applications, acceptances and
confirmations or deposits
Daily –
Inquiries - 5
Applications -3
Completed applications - 2
Acceptances -2
Confirmations-1
Enrolled-0
Weekly –
Inquiries - 4
Applications - 3
Completed applications- 2
Acceptances- 2
Confirmations- 1
Enrolled- 1
Monthly -
Inquiries - 17
Applications- 10
Completed applications- 8
Acceptances- 7
Confirmations- 6
Enrolled- 5
Quarterly -
Inquiries -50
Applications-30
Completed applications - 22
Acceptances - 20
Confirmations - 18
Enrolled-12
Yearly -
Inquiries - 200
Applications 120
Completed applications 90
Acceptances 80
Confirmations 70
Enrolled- 60 Fall 40- Spring- 10 NJ Fall – 25/ Spring – 10; NY Fall 10 – Spring 5
13
Activity Goals
(D, W, M, Q, Y) for emails, telephone calls, mailings, text messages, news releases, electronic
newsletters, events and others.
Daily –
1. Five substantive calls
2. Five emails
3. Two cold calls/mailings
Weekly –
1. One new outreach to a new market area (pastor, head chaplain, campus ministry personnel,
influencer)
2. Two relationship building contacts with an established market prospect
3. Two campus visits to NBTS
4. Follow up to all encounters, i.e. calls, emails, mailings, visits,
Monthly –
1. Two off campus events (e.g. church, conference)
2. One on campus event
3. Information Sessions in NY and NJ
Quarterly –
1. Six off campus events
2. 3 on campus events
Yearly –
Recruitment “Table Contents”
Books by faculty
General NBTS Brochures
Literature/ packets on DMin, MDiv and MA and Certificate Program or whatever is appropriate for audience
Sign up cards
Tall banner
Candy in glass or clear plastic cups or bowl
14
Annual Recruitment Events
July –
August –
September – 1st district AME Pastor’s Retreat Idealist Fair Seminary and Theological School Virtual Fair ABC NJ Annual Session Collyde Summit Information Session October - Open House Korean Alumni meeting RCA Clergy Summit Star 99.1 Pastor’s Luncheon Rutgers Graduate & Professional Fair November- National Theological Education Week DeFree Conference How Shall They Hear Conference Information Session December – January – Information Session February - COGIC Regional Conferences – February to April RCA Care Committee – February to March Presbyterian Committee on Preparation for Ministry Information Session March - Pillar College Career Day NJ Annual Conference – Camden/Trenton Dist. WMCA Pastor’s Luncheon Rutgers Day Information Session Episcopal Conference April – Safe Harbor Conference Fatherhood Conference Open House May – Information Session June - Hampton Minister’s Conference Rutgers Day Information Session
Institutional Structures Committee
Purpose: The Institutional Structures Committee is responsible for Strategic
Planning. This is to be accomplished through the constant survey and
evaluation of the external and internal environment in order to identify
threats and opportunities to the institution based on the mission statement
and on an assessment of the Institution’s strengths and weaknesses. This
committee is to help the Institution define a vision, clarify its mission, and
establish a plan on which to base wise choices which serve that mission.
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the Committee include the following:
1. To be keen and constant observers of those realities in the external
environment which are impacting or may impact, the Seminary and its
mission and programs.
2. To inform and engage the Board of Trustees concerning the Strategic
Planning process and to enlist the assistance of all Board members in
observing, discussing and assessing the external and internal
environment with possible implications for the Seminary.
3. To recommend to the Board of Trustees policies and processes which
are inclusive of all Seminary constituencies for strategic planning.
4. To monitor and coordinate Strategic Planning processes and reports
from the Seminary’s constituencies, i.e., Board of Trustees, faculty,
administration, etc.
5. To develop and recommend to the Board of Trustees a strategic plan,
which includes a clear and compelling vision and priorities that will
guide the work of the Seminary.
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Purpose and Mission
Called by Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, New Brunswick
Theological Seminary participates in God’s own laboring to fulfill God’s reign on
earth.
Rooted in the Reformed tradition and centered in its trust of God’s sovereignty
and grace, the Seminary is an inter-cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith,
learning, and scholarship committed to its metro-urban and global contexts
Our mission is to educate persons and strengthen communities for
transformational, public ministries in church and society. We fulfill this mission
through creative, contextual, and critical engagement with texts, traditions, and
practices.
NBTS accomplishes this mission by:
providing graduate level degrees and certificate programs that prepare
students for ministry and leadership in diverse social and cultural settings.
nurturing, promoting and encouraging faith, learning and scholarship.
committing to metro urban ministry formation and long term collaboration
with global partners.
being an active resource and heart of the communities in which God has
placed us, providing a safe space and a center for community
collaboration.
living out our reformed roots in an inter-cultural and ecumenical learning
environment.
recognizing and supporting commonality, the benefits of mutual exchange
and support and appreciation of the individual.
identifying and ardently responding to the varied needs and gifts of
students in our seminary community.
establishing relationships with adult learners that are accepting, affirming
and recognizing that we can learn from each other.
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Institutional Vision
New Brunswick Theological Seminary will become a seminary known for
producing effective leaders who put their faith into action, engage in theological
reflection, confront conflict in healthy ways, participate in holistic, innovative
ministry and continue to grow in their faith. Our successful metro urban program
will become a sought after experience for ministerial formation, both locally and
internationally, utilizing in-class and distance learning models.
Consequently, by 2022, we envision that NBTS will be:
increasingly accessible, locally and globally, through the judicious use of technology;
better equipped to be a global resource for the development of metro-urban ministry;
effectively connected programmatically to other graduate schools, especially Rutgers and St. John's Universities;
richly diverse through intentionally inviting and welcoming under-represented people into our community;
more affordable through a dramatic increase in scholarship aid;
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Five Core Institutional Values
New Brunswick Theological Seminary is committed to being
Distinctively Christian:
We value the Bible as the authoritative witness to God's self-revelation and definitive guide for Christian faith and practice.
We value our roots in the Reformed tradition, centered in its trust of God’s sovereignty and grace, as an inter-cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith, learning, and scholarship.
We value a theology of ministry requiring scholarship, critical discernment and intentional conversations as the basis for ministerial vocation guided by the principle of faith seeking understanding.
Decidedly Diverse:
We value the diversity of our students and faculty in terms of tradition, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and life experience.
We value ourselves as an anti-racist community of faith and learning and as a partner with those who endeavor to eliminate structures of oppression.
We value diverse partnerships and collaborative approaches to education.
Shaped by Our Context:
We value that we are shaped by the resources and challenges of the metro-urban church and its global context.
We value the community that exists on each of our campuses and the conversations that occur within and between the communities.
Attentive to God’s Call:
We value the particular call that God has placed individually on the lives of our students, faculty, staff and trustees, and the process whereby we discover and respond to that call.
We value preparing men and women for ministries that are prophetic, pastoral and transformational.
We value providing accessible theological education, especially to those for whom theological education would be otherwise unavailable.
We value the spiritual formation of the whole person in the image of God in Christ.
Ethically & Socially Responsible:
We value high ethical, legal, environmental and professional standards in the management of the resources entrusted to us. Within this context, the seminary shall invest in goods and services in a socially responsible, open, fair and transparent manner.