Luther Seminary Names President-Elect
 
St. Paul, Minn. -- The Luther Seminary Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to name Dr. Richard H. Bliese president-elect. He currently serves as the Seminary's dean of academic affairs and will assume the office of the president on July 1, 2005.

"The Search Committee was impressed with Dr. Bliese's experience and credentials," said Dr. Susan Jenkins, chair of Luther Seminary's Board of Directors. "He has served in parish ministry in Germany, Zaire, and the United States. During his time as academic dean at Luther Seminary, Dr. Bliese has shown himself to be an energetic and dedicated worker, committed to Luther Seminary's mission to prepare leaders for the church. He understands the importance of the connection between Luther Seminary and the ELCA, and that the seminary's mission with the ELCA is to serve Christ's church in the world. We are excited that Dr. Bliese will be able to further the mission, work, and growth of the seminary."

The presidential search committee sought advice and counsel from a wide range of constituents. "We were blessed to have many leading Lutheran theological leaders and scholars emerge as candidates," said Dr. Paul Dovre, chair of the search committee and member of the Seminary's Board of Directors. "Dr. Bliese best fits the expectations and competencies document that was approved by our Boards. He possesses gifts as a pastoral leader and as an educational, theological, public and administrative leader. He is passionate about the mission of the Luther Seminary and will lead with vision, intelligence and understanding."

For more information, visit:
http://www.luthersem.edu/president/electrelease.asp

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities across the country and around the world. It is the largest of the eight seminaries in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).