Rev. Joanne Jennings appointed director of Black Church Studies

Dear Colleagues,

 

I am pleased to let you know about an important new appointment we have made. The Rev. Joanne Browne Jennings will be the new Director of our Black Church Studies program, an appointment that will be of great benefit to YDS students and the churches and communities they serve for years to come.

 

Joanne Jennings is an accomplished scholar and counselor with a strong background in social work and service to clergy and congregations. She is currently a lecturer in clinical pastoral education for YDS and Andover Newton Seminary at YDS and was in private practice for over 20 years. Rev. Jennings has a Master of Social Work degree (University of North Carolina), an M.Div. (Fuller Theological Seminary), a Bachelor of Law degree (Inns of Court School of Law, U.K.), and a Bachelor of Science degree (University of Toronto).

 

Among other accomplishments over her varied and impressive career, Rev. Jennings has developed a unique counseling practice with a special focus on pastors. She has also been a consultant and lecturer for a wide variety of organizations and educational institutions, including Duke Divinity School, the Durham County Department of Social Services, and numerous churches. Under her leadership, I am confident our Black Church Studies program will develop as a home for students who are interested in ministerial careers with predominantly Black churches and with marginalized communities—a key part of our ongoing effort to expand our service to all churches and organizations within an ecumenical framework.

 

Rev. Jennings will succeed Rev. Bill Mathis, who was founding director of the program.

 

Please join me in congratulating Joanne Jennings and supporting her in her new role at YDS!

 

Best wishes,

 

Greg Sterling

 

Gregory E. Sterling

The Reverend Henry L. Slack Dean

Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament

Yale Divinity School