LEXINGTON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Dr. Charisse L. Gillett will oversee student recruitment at LTS & develop a special project with the Pension Fund of the Christian Church

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 15, 2010) – Lexington Theological Seminary announced today the appointment of Dr. Charisse L. Gillett as Vice President of Administration & Special Projects for the school. In her new roles Dr. Gillett will supervise student recruitment and work with staff and faculty on admissions and scholarships. She will also develop a special project with the Pension Fund of the Christian Church, with the goal of creating programs and materials to equip ministers with the skills to weather the rigors of ministry and enable them to make better choices about their own health and wellness over a lifetime of ministry.

“Student recruitment and scholarships are crucial areas in helping LTS prepare men and women for a career in the ministry,” said Dr. Jim Johnson. “We also recognize the importance of helping our current ministers make better, informed choices about their health and wellness through the Pension Fund of the Christian Church. Dr. Gillett’s background and passion make her an excellent choice to take on this dual role.”

“I am pleased to be a part of this unique partnership between LTS and the Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),” Dr. Gillett said.  “In many ways, this partnership models the needs of many congregations. That is to have well educated and trained clergy with a deep sense of the church’s needs, but also pastors with a clear sense of the balance needed to sustain oneself in ministry.  I look forward to this work and ministry as well as the possibilities for the church.”

“We are delighted to partner with Dr. Gillett and LTS in the training and development of men and women for vibrant ministry,” said James Hamlett, president of the Pension Fund of the Christian Church.  “LTS has a rich history of training people for ministry.  Dr. Gillett’s passion for leadership development and wellness makes her uniquely qualified to lead the development of programs that will enable clergy to remain vibrant throughout a life of service.  We believe these efforts will positively impact the well being of clergy, the use of health services, and the retention of clergy in ministry.”

Before coming to Lexington Theological Seminary, Dr. Gillett served as program director for The Lilly Project at Transylvania University. She has previously served in a variety of roles in academic enrichment, financial aid and financial planning at Robert Morris College, Midway College and the University of Northern Iowa.

Dr. Gillett is a member of the Lexington Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, Transylvania University’s Diversity Enhancement Committee, African-American Leadership Committee of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Foster Parent Association of Fayette County. She previously served as moderator and board chair of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was a member of the Lexington Theological Seminary Strategic Planning Committee and the seminary’s ATS Accreditation Round Table.

Dr. Gillett also has served on a number of other community and national boards, including: the National Convocation Board of Trustees, Black Disciples Endowment Fund, the Lexington-based Martin Luther King for the Dream Committee and was a section leader for the Administrative Committee and General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Dr. Gillett holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Northern Illinois University. She resides in Lexington with her husband, Reverend Dr. Donald K. Gillett II, Senior Pastor, East Second Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).