Our vision for this portal is comprehensive: it will be a centralized directory to help reconnect with classmates, a rich resource center brimming with valuable information, a best practices storehouse to share and discover insights, and a dedicated job posting site to facilitate professional connections within the SPST network. Imagine finding an old friend, accessing a theological paper, sharing a successful ministry strategy, or even discovering a new calling���all within a single, intuitive platform.泭

As our staff traveled to various United Methodist churches and other denominational conferences this summer, we were delighted to offer a sneak preview of the portal to one hundred of our alumni. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and these early interactions have been invaluable in refining the portal’s features to ensure it meets the demanding needs of our alumni community.泭

What makes this portal truly special is its organic design. We have built it with the understanding that the community is diverse, with a wide array of interests and passions. That is why a key feature of the portal will be the ability for alumni to create and join affinity groups. Whether you are enthusiastic about interfaith dialogue, rural ministry, social justice, or a specific denominational focus, you can connect with fellow alumni who share your interests. This fosters a sense of belonging and allows for the collaborative exchange of ideas and support tailored to your unique ministry context.泭

At SPST, we believe that learning and support do not end at graduation. This new online portal is a testament to our ongoing commitment to each student���s success and well-being in the ministries they provide. We are confident that this resource will prove to be an indispensable tool, helping the SPST family stay connected, informed, and empowered as they continue to profoundly impact the world.泭

Register at: 泭泭

Questions? Contact Tom Cochran at alumrelations@spst.edu

Meet Ben: Changemaker, Leader, Saint Paul Alum

Ben Boswell is a dynamic preacher, passionate pastor, thoughtful author, dedicated educator, and inspirational social justice leader who has courageously led anti-racist spiritual formation work for people racialized as white and white-dominant organizations. His journey to this transformative work includes service as a U.S. Army Officer and academic excellence at Campbell University (B.A., cum laude), Duke Divinity School (M.Div., magna cum laude), and right here at 勛圖窪蹋厙, where he earned his D.Min. with distinction.

Throughout his meaningful 20-year ministry career, Ben has touched countless lives as Senior Pastor of three different congregations and as an active interfaith community leader. For nine years, he served as the Senior Minister of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where his leadership inspired deep community engagement.

We couldn’t be prouder of how Ben has put his Saint Paul education into action! During his doctoral studies with us, he developed “Confronting Whiteness,” a groundbreaking nine-week spiritual formation course for anti-racism work. Following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Ben began offering this transformative program to his community. What started as a local initiative has blossomed beautifully ��� today, more than 1,000 people across 15 states and three countries have participated in the program! The work has grown into an annual conference drawing over 250 attendees and nurtures a community of more than 700 people committed to becoming anti-racist in their spheres of influence.

Ben has also shared his wisdom through two essential books: For the Facing of this Hour: Preaching that Resists White Christian Nationalism (2022) and Confronting Whiteness: A Spiritual Journey of Reflection, Conversation, and Transformation (2022).

In 2021, at just 40 years old, Ben received Charlotte’s prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion ��� the city’s highest honor for those promoting racial equality, social justice, and community service. Through it all, Ben’s most significant source of pride is being a father to his wonderful 15-year-old daughter.

The Distinguished Graduate Award: Celebrating Excellence

Each year at Commencement, we honor one outstanding alum who embodies Saint Paul’s mission and values through their ministry. Recipients like Ben live out our commitment to being centered in Christ. They demonstrate the power of intentional relationships and formation for innovative ministry through rigorous academic life, deep exploration of Scripture and tradition, and diverse, contextual experience.

Our Distinguished Graduates, like Ben, bring to life our core values by being:

• Christ-centered, prophetic, and evangelistic
• Formed in justice, integrity, and faithful experience
• Contextual, diverse, relevant, and inclusive
• Committed to both intellectual excellence and faithful practice
• Builders of community in challenging contemporary contexts
• Champions for peace and justice through theological dialogue
• Innovators using multiple approaches to ministry

Celebrate With Us!

We invite you to join us for Commencement on Friday, May 16, at 11:00 AM CT. You can participate online via or join us at our Kansas or Oklahoma campus. Together, we’ll celebrate our Class of 2025, enjoy an inspiring message from keynote speaker Bishop Laura Merrill, and honor Ben with his much-deserved Distinguished Graduate Award.

To RSVP for Commencement and explore other Commencement Week activities, please visit /commencement/.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate Ben’s remarkable achievements and the positive difference he continues to make in our world!

Rev. Shahan’s responsibilities will include strengthening relationships with donors, alums, and friends of 勛圖窪蹋厙 throughout Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Annual Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Mission Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additionally, Rev. Shahan will assist in cultivating and deepening relationships with Oklahoma City University, where the seminary’s Oklahoma Campus is located. One of his key initiatives will be establishing a “Friends of Saint Paul” organization, which will convene two to three times yearly to support the seminary’s mission and community.

Adam Shahan brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role. He serves as the Senior Minister of Wesley United Methodist Church OKC and is an adjunct instructor in the Wimberly School of Religion at Oklahoma City University. His extensive involvement in the church community includes his roles as the Registrar for the Central District Committee on Ordained Ministry and Chairperson of the Conference New Faith Communities Ministry Team (NFC). Shahan’s deep connections within the region and his dedication to theological education make him an asset to 勛圖窪蹋厙.

In addition to his ministry roles, Rev. Shahan is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry at 勛圖窪蹋厙. He is married to Aly Shahan, Director of University Church Relations and Religious Life at Oklahoma City University. Together, they have two children.

勛圖窪蹋厙 has prepared leaders for ministry at its Oklahoma Campus since 2008. Students at the Oklahoma Campus benefit from access to the resources of a vibrant university and the supportive environment of a close-knit seminary community. In collaboration with Oklahoma City University, Saint Paul also offers a Three Plus Three Accelerated Degree Program, enabling students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just six years.

For more information about 勛圖窪蹋厙 and its programs, please schedule a Campus Tour or visit spst.edu.

With a blend of emotions, we announce that our esteemed alumna, Rev. Dr. Tiffany Nagel Monroe ’12, is transitioning from her role as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Campus and Associate Director of Contextual Field Education at 勛圖窪蹋厙. Dr. Nagel Monroe will embark on a new ministry path within the Oklahoma Conference, assuming the role of Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Edmond, effective July 1.

In bidding farewell to Dr. Nagel Monroe, we reflect on her invaluable contributions to our community and her unwavering commitment to serving God’s people. President Jay Simmons aptly expresses, “While all of us are saddened by Tiffany Nagel Monroe’s departure from Saint Paul, we celebrate her decision to return to the pulpit and serve the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma. Oklahomans will benefit from one of the most dynamic church leaders in the state leading a vital community of faith. Tiffany’s leadership offers one more example of a Saint Paul alum pursuing innovative, creative ministry.”

Dr. Nagel Monroe herself shares, “Moments in ministry, like this one, are often bittersweet. The bitter is in the leaving; the sweet is in the following of God to the next step on my journey.” She expresses deep gratitude to 勛圖窪蹋厙 for shaping her into the pastor, educator, and leader she is today, acknowledging the profound influence of faculty, staff, trustees, and fellow alums. Despite the unexpected turn of events, she embraces the call of the Holy Spirit and eagerly anticipates continuing to serve God’s people wherever her path leads.

Though Dr. Nagel Monroe may be passing the baton of leadership, her unwavering support for 勛圖窪蹋厙 remains steadfast. She assures us of her enthusiastic encouragement as we press onward in our mission to impact the Kin-dom of God. As she answers this new calling, Dr. Nagel Monroe affirms, “Saint Paul really is where Theology Comes Alive. Go Theologians!”

Let us join together in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nagel Monroe for her dedication and service to 勛圖窪蹋厙. While we bid her farewell in her current capacity at the end of the semester, we eagerly anticipate the great things she will accomplish in her new ministry role and look forward to her frequent visits to campus. Please join us in wishing her every success and blessing on her journey.

Be well,

Jay Keith Simmons, Ph.D.
President
勛圖窪蹋厙

���Each week at the Lazarus Community we create a place of resurrection where persons whom many consider to be as good as dead, the least, lost, broken, afflicted, and addicted find a place in community. Lazarus Community operates a drop-in center that offers an emergency food kit (use the QR code to see how you can help), hygiene, showers, mental health, pastoral care, hot meals, and a place to experience God���s wide embrace in worship and in transitional living. We are grateful to 勛圖窪蹋厙 for the partnership in ministry and in practice of a Lazarus story (John 11:1-44) as the dead are raised to life and the community is empowered to move from disappointment and grief to celebration and restoration!��� – alum泭Rev. Bo Ireland ’17, Executive Director of Lazarus Community

You can help today by scanning the QR code for items most needed by the Lazarus Community pantry. These items are used to create Emergency Food Bags. You may also bring donation items to a physical campus location and place them in the donation box.泭

Oklahoma Campus: 2501 N Blackwelder Ave., Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Kansas Campus: 13720 Roe Ave., Bldg. C, Leawood, KS 66224

勛圖窪蹋厙 is a seminary of intentional relationships and is committed to the formation of people for innovative and creative ministry. We believe in the mission of God in the world and in supporting the Saint Paul community by actively serving it. Would you like to be considered for a future Saint Paul Gives Back semester? Contact Rev. Dr. Tiffany A. Nagel Monroe at Tiffany.nagelmonroe@spst.edu.泭泭

Following a twenty-two-year career in the Kansas Army National Guard, Bishop Williamston enrolled at 勛圖窪蹋厙, earning her Master of Divinity degree in 2007, specializing in Evangelism and Black Church Ministries.泭 Ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2010, she served Kansas churches in Mentor, Quayle, and Independence.泭 She then assumed responsibility as a district superintendent for districts including Hays, Salina, and Hutchinson in various configurations from 2014 until 2021.泭 泭 Her next assignment led to the office of the Director of Clergy Excellence and Assistant to the Bishop, positions she held when elected to the episcopacy last year.泭 On January 1, 2023, she began her term as Bishop of the Louisiana Conference.

We are proud to call Bishop Williamston an alumna of Saint Paul and look forward to her keynote address at this year���s Commencement celebration. For those who would like to attend Commencement on campus or online, please register at by April 30.

Over recent weeks President Blair consulted and conversed with the Board of Trustees leadership to discuss his contract and exit plan as president in order to spend more time with his
beautiful family. We are so pleased with President Blair���s careful and grace-filled process regarding a transition to a new president for our Seminary. President Blair will retire as president of 勛圖窪蹋厙 on December 31, 2023, with a six-month sabbatical following. This timeframe provides ample time for the Saint Paul community to thoughtfully seek a new president.

During President Blair���s leadership, Saint Paul has overcome incredible challenges. We now are an institution with outstanding executive leadership, faculty, and staff. Our fundraising supports current financial needs, and we established favor with our accreditation agencies. As we transition presidential leadership over the next two years, we also will begin to develop 勛圖窪蹋厙���s next strategic plan. Please continue to offer your service, partnerships, support, and prayers as we vest in this mission-driven journey. Your faithful actions are noticed and deeply appreciated.

With Christ���s love,
勛圖窪蹋厙 Board of Trustees, Executive Committee
Amy Hogan, Chair
Sharon Cleaver, Vice Chair
Andy Bryan, Secretary
Arden Borgen, Member At-Large
Lee Myane, Academic Committee, Chair
Dana Aldridge,泭Governance Committee, Chair
Linda Shipman, Resource Committee, Chair
Tex Sample,泭Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee, Chair

That���s Dr. Stan Copeland���s mission in his role as the Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, a position he has held since 1998.

Throughout his career, Dr. Copeland has worked to create an environment for people from all walks of life to experience the love of God and connect with fellow worshippers. That���s why we are proud to welcome him back to 勛圖窪蹋厙 as our 2022 commencement speaker and Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. The award will be presented during our upcoming commencement ceremony on May 13, starting at 11 a.m. Central time. Participants may register for .泭

Dr. Copeland views the United Methodist Church as a life-giving and life-sustaining community of faith, intentionally global and others-oriented. He emphasizes the pursuit of justice and mercy, along with a commitment to ministry that includes all people as sisters and brothers in Christ.泭

Under his leadership, has blossomed as a vibrant and diverse congregation. Membership, worship, attendance and giving have all increased, and the church offers a number of ministries that enrich people���s lives, both internally and in the broader community.泭

Nurturing a Welcoming Faith Community

The vision statement for Lovers Lane reads, ���One diverse community, passionately engaging the Bible, uplifting Jesus in worship and loving service and challenging in Love that which divides.���

The church boasts one of the most diverse congregations in the Dallas area, including worshippers from 14 different African countries. A variety of ministries also serve the needs of deaf members, special needs families, LGBTQ persons, formerly incarcerated persons and those recovering from substance use disorders.泭

During Dr. Copeland���s tenure, Lovers Lane UMC has conducted four capital campaigns totaling over $50 million. The campaigns enabled the church to add new acreage and over 100,000 square feet of building space to serve the needs of its growing congregation.泭

Sharing God���s Love with the World

Dr. Copeland has also overseen the creation of several nonprofit corporations owned by Lovers Lane. Through these ministries, the church uplifts the lives of people in the surrounding community. Here are just a few of the ways Lovers Lane is sharing God���s love with others:

• has served over 900 addicted persons and is one of 75 recovery groups to meet at the Center for Spiritual Develoment on the Lovers Lane Campus.
• is a school that serves children ages 6 months to 6th grade. It opened in the fall of 1998 and has an enrollment of around 450 students.
• SEEDS Deaf Academy provides education and services for deaf children, youth and adults. Activities include Sunday School, ASL-signed worship services, special events and mission trips.

Honoring a Lifetime of Ministry

Dr. Copeland���s ministry began when he preached his first sermon at the age of 16. Born and reared in the First United Methodist Church in Chandler, Texas, he was inspired by his parents and grandparents, who were also United Methodists. Others who influenced his faith journey include Doctors Tex Sample, Susan Vogel and William H. ���Bill��� Hinson, and Bishops Woodrow Heam, Rhymes Moncure and Janice Huey.泭

In 1986, while serving as Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Henderson, Texas, Dr. Copeland was diagnosed with leukemia, at the age of 26. Later that same year, he was appointed Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Houston, where he received treatment at the world-renowned medical center in that city. Eventually, he was declared cured, with the help of experimental drug treatments and the prayers of his family, friends and congregation.

Dr. Copeland served as the Senior Pastor at Pollard United Methodist Church in Tyler Texas from 1993 to 1998. At Pollard, he oversaw a major building program and growth in membership, attendance and giving.泭

His education includes a degree from 勛圖窪蹋厙 and has covered a wide range of subjects including Biblical preaching and teaching, pastoral care and political and social issues. Dr. Copeland has also earned a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana and an Associate of Arts in Sociology from Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas.泭

泭

Dr. Copeland has dedicated his life to sharing the Good News and changing lives in a world full of need. We look forward to honoring him and to celebrating our 2022 graduating class at this year���s commencement at Saint Paul.泭

We invite you to to attend this free event via Zoom. If you have questions, please contact us at 913-253-5000.

In the hands of the faithful, these three tools bring us the information we need to work together for a better world.

That���s what Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau has demonstrated throughout her time as a clergywoman for the . She serves as Director of Communication for her area, as well as a teacher and strategist for women���s development and empowerment. Dr. Musau earned her Doctor of Ministry from 勛圖窪蹋厙.泭

In honor of her many years of service, Saint Paul recognized Dr. Musau as our 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award winner. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented us from presenting the award in person, we are proud to highlight her ongoing work to share the love of God with her community.泭

Empowering Women

Growing up, Dr. Musau experienced first-hand the stigma sometimes associated with women���s access to education. She was in a high school where only boys were allowed to study some subjects.泭

The memory of that experience guides Dr. Musau in her work facilitating leadership development for indigenous women from the Bantu and Pygmy communities. There are many ways in which the church works alongside the women as they build self-reliance. Programs include livelihood training, budgeting skills, Bible reading and addressing sexual violence and abuse.泭

Dr. Musau���s work has taught her the importance of deep listening to understand fully the needs of those she serves. She has also witnessed the power of information technology for enabling women to communicate and help one another with love. Communication builds relationships, helps women advocate for each other and enhances self esteem.泭

Improving Healthcare Access

Dr. Musau also served as Health Board Chair in North Katanga for five years.

In many remote villages in Africa, the nearest health clinic is often a day away. The has established a project that uses mobile phones and texting to improve communication and access to care. The project focuses on:

• Disease surveillance to monitor outbreaks
• Drug stock monitoring to ensure access to medications
• Personnel management to reassign health workers to clinics with staffing shortages
• Antenatal care to promote a healthy pregnancy and delivery

During a 2014 cholera outbreak, a free text messaging service saved lives by disseminating preventive information. Dr. Musau sent reminders encouraging residents to boil water and wash hands frequently.泭

More recently, Dr. Musau authored an article for UMNews detailing . Clergy and laypersons were encouraged to wear masks, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing. Other measures implemented throughout the pandemic have included a home family worship program, sharing stories from survivors and debunking misinformation that often spreads on social media.

Bringing People Together

Dr. Musau has held a number of other positions throughout her career. She is currently the Finance and Procurement Officer for the Disaster Management Office in the North Katanga Episcopal Area. She has also served as General Administration Vice Chair in 2016, Bishop���s Assistant from 2006 to 2016 and has been a General Conference member since 2008.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Musau���s many years of service by recognizing her as our Distinguished Graduate Award recipient for 2021. Her ministry shows us the power of communication and information technology for bridging social divides and sharing God���s love with our neighbors around the world.

Dr. Tiffany Nagel Monroe earned her M.Div. at 勛圖窪蹋厙 and her D.Min. at Wesley Theological in Washington, D.C.泭 Since 2010, she has been actively engaged in her ministry through appointments at Wickline, Calumet, and Red Rock United Methodist Churches.泭 In 2017, she assumed responsibilities as Lead Pastor at Shawnee St. Paul United Methodist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Dr. Nagel Monroe���s ministry has also led her to service as a Leadership Coach and Consultant with Leadership Nexus, an ecumenical leadership development group promoting professional development among clergy.泭 She also founded Epiphany Innovations, a consulting firm aimed at equipping clergy for effective ministry in a more diverse world.泭 The Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church recognized her efforts in 2019 by including her in the Academy of Innovation.泭 In 2017, the Foundation for Evangelism celebrated her achievements, bestowing upon her the Harry Denham Evangelism Award for Clergy.泭 In October 2021, she was awarded the Francis E. Willard COSROW Award in recognition of significant contributions to the status and role of women in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.泭 These are just a few of the many organizations that have recognized her accomplishments over the years.泭 As her accolades suggest, 勛圖窪蹋厙 is fortunate to have Dr. Tiffany Nagel Monroe not only as an alumna but to welcome her as a member of Executive Leadership.

For more information on 勛圖窪蹋厙 programs, courses, and admissions, visit spst.edu, call 913-253-5000 or email admiss@spst.edu.