Javier Viera ’00 S.T.M.

One of the finest traditions of YDS is its commitment to excellence in all dimensions of theological education. This award recognizes alumni whose scholarship, teaching or leadership and contributions to vocational formation for ministry reflect the best of YDS and its distinguished faculty. 

There was a time during college when Javier Viera became interested in a future in politics. But ministry also called to him.

One summer, while interning for a U.S. congressman, he asked for advice. The response he got helped clarify his destiny.

“The world needs a lot more good ministers than politicians.”

Dr. Javier Viera was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida. He holds a degree from Florida Southern College, an M.Div. from Duke, and a doctorate in education from Columbia University. He is presently completing doctoral work in Latin American Studies at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. 

Javier’s interests range across the theological map – from inter-religious dialogue to pastoral leadership and homiletics, to the role of religion in modern Latin America.

These interests were shaped early on, in part by YDS, as well as his experience in parish ministry in New York City as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.

At YDS, Javier’s mentors included Margaret Farley and Serene Jones. 

He credits Margaret with teaching him the importance of holding different truth claims in dialogue. From Serene, he learned how often theological ideas are forged in times of upheaval, and how vital it is to keep the faith despite dangers and uncertainties.

Today, the adventure of faith and ideas and social change has made Javier Viera a leading theological educator in this country. Dr. Viera is the new president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, after six years as dean of Drew University’s Theological School. 

At Drew, he led a transformation of the curriculum, launched new degree programs, and oversaw increased enrollment and fundraising. 

Dr. Viera arrived at Garrett-Evangelical in early 2021 as the first person of color to hold the office of president in the seminary’s 167-year history.