New Haven, CT – Vernice “Hopie” Randall ’11 M.Div. has been appointed the next Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid effective July 1, 2014. Hopie has served in the position as an interim dean since April 2013.
After graduating from YDS with her Master of Divinity in 2011, she completed a Master of Theology in Homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary. She returned to YDS to serve as interim associate dean and Adjunct Lecturer in Homiletics for the Principles and Practices of preaching course.
“I was thrilled to come back to teach the next generation of YDS students, and recruiting and admitting them is a singular honor, and one that I take quite seriously and with great pride and joy,” said Hopie.
In her first year, the admissions office achieved a record 64% yield of accepted students. Under her leadership, the admissions office has boosted the number of applications by 10%, besting our peer institutions, and has worked hard to increase applications from underrepresented groups. Among our incoming class of 147 students, 61 have previous graduate level experience from 53 institutions. The class also represents over 30 faith traditions, and 16 nations.
“I am incredibly proud of the diverse students we have been able to recruit,” Hopie said. “I firmly believe that true strength is found in diversity, and bringing so many different people into the YDS community makes our school stronger than ever.”
Before pursuing theological education, Hopie had over 15 years of professional experience in New York City law firms. She is a licensed minister and is pursuing ordination in the American Baptist Churches, USA. She maintains close ties with Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY, where she serves as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
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