Please join members of our community in Marquand Chapel this Friday, January 27th, for a service to honor the late Yolanda Smith. The service, taking place from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., will include remembrances by students, friends, and colleagues; gospel music; and liturgical dance. A reception in the Common Room will follow.
Yolanda passed away last fall after a years-long battle with cancer. Yolanda joined the YDS faculty as a visiting assistant professor in Christian education in 2000. She became a member of the core faculty as an assistant professor in 2002, serving in this capacity until 2008 when her initial bout with cancer forced her to change directions. On disability, she continued to serve YDS part-time as a research scholar and a lecturer. She was able to teach at least one course each year through the 2014-2015 academic year. She was recognized by her peers in the profession when she was elected president of the Religious Education Association (2012-2013).
During her time at YDS, Yolanda launched an important project that continues to have a positive impact, “Been in the Storm So Long,” which chronicles the history of African Americans in theological education with a focus on YDS.