News & Seminary Spotlights
Seminary Spotlights
LPTS is committed to helping "create community for one another in worship, celebration, sorrow, and success." Below are opportunities to participate and engage with activities shared by the LPTS community. For Upcoming Events at LPTS, click here.
News & Press Releases
News relevant to the life, work, and community of Louisville Seminary.
2023
The Reverend Doctor Andrew David Pomerville named as the 11th president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
May 31, 2023
CLICK HERE to watch the live announcement!
In a world hungry for visionary leaders, where faith, education, and justice-driven work intersect, The Board of Trustees of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary proudly and with great excitement welcomes its 11th president: The Reverend Dr. Andrew David Pomerville.
Andrew brings to Louisville Seminary successful experience in both higher education and ecumenical parish ministry, defined by innovation, energy and joyful communication as an executive administrator, chaplain, and senior pastor. Currently at Alma College (MI), he is the founding director of the Center for College and Community Engagement, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, and Senior Chaplain. Committed to students’ formation, through his active role in recruitment he has exceeded goals for increasing enrollment; implemented the graduation requirement for off-campus involvement, while developing and teaching nine new courses; and directed the Pre-Ministry Professional Program, guiding graduates each year to LPTS. With Alma’s Institutional Distinctive Task, he asked where the College’s strengths meet the changing needs of our region and the world; and in the $120 million capital campaign, he co-led the $2 million fund for the historic chapel’s renovation. He has been a champion for anti-racism policies and LGBTQIA+ affirming practices in education and the Church. An officer of the Presbyterian College Chaplains, he participates actively in the network of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities.
Andrew came to Alma in 2018 from the multi-denominational 1300-member People’s Church of East Lansing — affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and American Baptist Church — where as Senior Pastor for seven years he led a staff of 82 to use the church’s resources, including location and historic significance, to start new ministries focused on ecumenical partnerships, racial justice, targeted mission, and active involvement in city and state planning. Immediately before, was pastor for four years of the multi-denominational Church in the Hills (Bellaire, MI), with a growing membership of 250, and earlier served as a director of youth ministries and hospice chaplain.
In his ministerial leadership, Andrew has developed financial acumen with a love for fundraising, stewardship of relationships and recruitment of new giving partners. Through the Presbyterian Foundation, he has been named one of ten Church Financial Leadership Coaches, working with congregations and pastors across the US. He was awarded the Executive Certificate for Religious Fundraising (ECRF) from the Lake Institute for Religious Fundraising (ECRF) of Indiana University/Purdue University-Indianapolis. He serves on the boards of his local community foundation, is nominated for Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and formerly chaired the board of NYAKA, a foundation in Uganda focusing on AIDS orphans. He has come to know LPTS as a member of the President’s Roundtable.
Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2007, Andrew is a graduate of three Presbyterian schools: Bachelor of Arts in history and religious studies, Alma College (2001) ; Master of Divinity, Princeton Theological Seminary (2007), and Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2018), focused on Reformed Theology in a joint program with University of Aberdeen. In addition to the ECRF, he holds certificates in Presidential Leadership Development from CREDO, and Adaptive Leadership from Michigan State University’s College of Business.
Andrew is eager for the seminary community to meet his spouse Rachell, currently a Great Start Readiness Program specialist in the Lansing School District, and their children Denali and Bryce, who will be a senior and sophomore in high school this fall.
Dr. Pomerville’s proven record of innovation, creativity, and adaptive leadership will serve the seminary well in the next season. His commitment to WHOSOEVER, his lifelong attentiveness to student formation and his embrace of a joyful theology of stewardship will allow him to share our seminary’s story in an exciting and compelling way. Welcome Andrew!
Don’t miss introductory events and other opportunities to connect and engage with Andrew.
For upcoming events and to send a message, visit: lpts.edu/incomingpresident
Active shooting in Downtown Louisville
April 10, 2023
We pray for peace within our city, our state, our nation, and our world.
Dear Seminary Community,
Our thoughts and prayers go to God for the families and loved ones of those who died from today’s tragedy in Downtown Louisville. We lift our hearts to God for healing for those injured, especially those whose lives hang in the balance. We pray for God’s comforting presence and peace upon those in the grips of terror and anxiety for being on the scene when the shooting occurred. We pray for God’s strength upon those within our community who may experience vicarious trauma from being notified of this occurrence. We express thanks to God for the quick response of the city’s first responders, whose actions prohibited further loss of life and/or injury. We pray for community leaders as they minister to the grieving. We pray for our students who are currently completing their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at University Hospital where those injured were taken. We pray for the family and friends of the aggressor, who are now left with unfathomable pain. We pray for those within our community whose spiritual and mental pain tends to translate into retaliatory actions of violence. May they find resources that can enable them to transform hate into reconciliation and love. We mourn the loss of those whose lives have been taken from us. We pray for peace within our city, our state, our nation, and our world.
In the name of the Holy One,
Amen.
If you or anyone you know would like to speak with someone regarding mental health resources or need a safe space to share concerns and grief, please contact the Office of Community Life (llias@lpts.edu, kgray@lpts.edu, or 502-992-9365).
To read the Kentucky Council of Churches Statement on Assault Weapons, click here.
Timerding to Retire After 25 Years of Dedicated Service
March 20, 2023
On Friday, June 2, 2023, Becky Timerding, Administrative Assistant to the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program, will retire after 25 years of faithful and joyous service to Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. When Becky joined LPTS in 1998, her duties centered on supporting the MFT Program Director (bookkeeping, clerical work, receptionist for the program office) and taking intakes for Louisville Seminary Counseling Ministry. Her responsibilities then expanded to include tracking practicum hours, auditing client records, and serving in a support role to the Clinical Director/Director of Clinical Training.
Loren Townsend, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, who has worked together with Becky for a quarter-century shared, “Becky has been a quiet anchor in the MFT Program who has helped arrange melody and counterpoint out of what otherwise would appear to be a chaotic flurry of unruly notes without particular purpose. Becky has helped us shape our purpose (and document that with the COAMFTE). She has helped us remember the many lives our faculty and students have touched. She’s kept us in order, and we can’t thank her enough for the gifts she has contributed. As she sings her way into retirement, we wish her and her family happiness, health, and peace. Thank you, Becky.”
“Becky has been the soul of the Family Therapy program since before I was myself a seminary student twenty years ago. She has fulfilled her role not as a job but as a calling, shepherding students through their time with us. We will sorely miss her compassion and competence but wish her well in her retirement and the adventures to come,” added friend and colleague, Lesley Ann Earles, Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy.
“I have enjoyed working and being in relationship with the directors, faculty, clinical supervisors, and students who have been a part of the MFT Program. There have been many learning opportunities and new experiences.”
Becky is looking forward to spending couple-time with her husband of 41 years, who is retiring in July from the Jefferson County Public School District, and being with their son. When asked about her retirement plans, Becky enthusiastically commented, “Eric and I plan to do more cycling and disc golfing. This summer we are leading a summer musical arts camp in Jeffersonville, Indiana. ‘There’s more to see than can ever be seen and more to do than can ever be done.’”
Best wishes Becky on your next adventure!
LPTS Supports our Transgender/Gender Non-conforming Siblings
March 06, 2023

Louisville Seminary envisions a world where all can flourish, evidenced by the justice and mercy of God, the welcome of Jesus Christ, and the creativity of the Holy Spirit. To this end, we commit to being a fully inclusive community where all of God’s children feel loved, affirmed, and valued.
Therefore, we condemn anti-transgender legislation that seeks to deny trans and gender-nonconforming people the freedom and agency to live into gender identities that do not adhere to socially constructed gender binaries. We condemn legislation that denies them the mental and physical health care they need to experience the happiness and well-being they deserve. In addition to denying basic human rights, the anti-trans legislation compounds the mental and emotional harm that many people who are trans and gender nonconforming already experience on a daily basis.
Christian faith affirms that each person is a beloved child of God, made in the image of God. Jesus Christ taught us to love one another. And the Holy Spirit has always been a source of transformation, calling us toward new ways of being. Grounded in our Christian heritage and faith, Louisville Seminary stands proudly with transgender and gender-nonconforming youth, adults, their families, and providers committed to providing gender-affirming care.
Debra J. Mumford
Dean of the Seminary
Lias to serve as Student Support Specialist
March 02, 2023
We are excited to share that beginning March 13, 2023, Lisa Lias, who currently serves the Office of Community Life as a part-time Administrative Coordinator, will begin a new role as Student Support Specialist.
Her focus will be on coordinating all student engagement initiatives, including the support of students, in the following eight life formation areas: professional, financial, physical, social, spiritual, recreational, intellectual, and emotional. This comprehensive approach to caring, nurturing, and supporting students and their families is an extension of Louisville Seminary's commitment to work towards a world where all can flourish, evidenced by the justice of God, the welcome of Jesus Christ, and the creativity of the Holy Spirit. Lisa will also continue to assist the Dean of Community Life, serve as housing coordinator, and work closely with other ministry departments including admissions in preparing resources for new student cohorts.
Dean of Community Life, Kilen Gray shares, “Lisa Lias has, in one year, made an indelible relational impact upon the entire seminary community, especially among our student body, with just a part-time assignment. Through this new appointment, she will bring her generous, generative, engaging, and compassionate spirit to every student interaction full-time. Her higher education experience and experience as a life coach and grief counselor will be significant as we work to ensure students receive holistic support during their matriculation. We are blessed to have more of her presence within our seminary community.”
“I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude to support our students in this capacity,” Lisa added. “I look forward to guiding our students in ways that holistically enhance their lives. My heart’s desire is that every student that attends our Seminary makes many fond memories and leaves better equipped for ministry; not only to serve others but to fully enjoy life for themselves.”
Meet our new Philanthropy Specialist: Jake Johnson
February 20, 2023
February 20, 2023 – (Louisville, KY) Today Louisville Seminary welcomes Jake Johnson as the new part-time Philanthropy Specialist as a member of the Office of Philanthropy and Stewardship team. In this role, Jake will engage in follow-up activities (such as phone calls and emails) after events, assist with updating alum and donor information, and support stewardship projects throughout the year. In the next few weeks, he will assist with several events, including the Grawemeyer Awards, our inaugural Giving and Gratitude Day, and Louisville Seminary 101 presentations.
VP for Philanthropy and Stewardship, Anne Monell commented that “Jake brings to LTPS a pastoral approach to relationship-building.” He most recently served as Associate Pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Newport, Tennessee. He focused his time on welcoming new members, led youth and outreach activities, and assisted with pastoral care and preaching.
Jake grew up in the mountains of Upper East Tennessee as a kid and young adult. He felt a call to ministry at age 15 and began preaching shortly after. His life journey took him into a multitude of denominations and faith traditions. In 2021, Jake graduated from Johnson University with Bachelor's degrees in Bible and Theology and Preaching and Leadership. He was recently accepted into Duke Divinity to begin their online Master of Divinity program. Jake enjoys all things Star Wars related, hanging out with friends, and kayaking and cliff jumping in the summer.
“I’m very excited to get started at LPTS. The mission of Christ and inclusion is something I hold dear and am looking forward to further in my role at the Seminary. My passion has always been people; I cannot wait to express that passion with everyone at LPTS.”
Sara Babcock Selected to Serve at New Director of Admissions
February 14, 2023
February 14, 2023 – (Louisville, KY) LPTS is delighted to announce that Sara Babcock has been selected to serve as our new Director of Admissions. Sara is an anticipated Master of Divinity graduate of Louisville Seminary. Sara has exhibited her unique gifts and graces in leadership and ministry in various capacities during her matriculation.
Her leadership and creativity have been exhibited within, and celebrated by, the Seminary community within her work as Student Body Clerk, for which she received affirmation twice by the student body, as Chapel Minister, and within the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA). Sara has shown significant strength in building supportive relational connections across the human intersectional continuum. She is highly touted by her employment references for her adept communication skills and compassionate pastoral presence.
Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Originally from Nebraska, Sara has had the great fortune to live in distinct and diverse communities in Kentucky, Michigan, Washington DC, France, and Senegal. She is passionate about co-creating communities that are just, honest, and fun! She lives with her partner and cat in Louisville.
While Sara completes her degree program, she will begin work in the Office of Admissions on a part-time basis on Monday, February 20, 2023. Sara transitions to full-time service after commencement on Monday, May 22, 2023. Join me in congratulating Sara Babcock on her new call to ministry. Welcome, Sara, to your new assignment and to the Division of Community Life team at Louisville Seminary.
Edwin Hernández named Executive Director of the Louisville Institute at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
January 19, 2023
E.M. White Library & Louisville Seminary Announce Callicott to be the New Director of Library Services
January 18, 2023
January 18, 2023 - (Louisville, KY) - On July 1, 2023, Burton Callicott will assume the position of Director of the E.M. White Library. Callicott has served as the public services librarian at the E. M. White Library since October 2020. In this role, he oversees day-to-day operations and maintains library functions including circulation and information desk services, course reserves, reference, interlibrary loan, collection development, and research instruction.
Callicott earned a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Before beginning his work at Louisville Seminary, he worked for nineteen years as a librarian at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. During this time he held several positions including head of research and instruction services. He also served for several years on SACSCOC QEP (Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges and Schools Quality Enhancement Plan) committees. He has also served as a librarian at Long Island University and the Queens Public Library.
“Burton’s years of library experience and commitment to sustainability and open access make him the ideal person to serve as library director at this time in our institutional history. His experiences as head of research and instruction will continue to benefit our students as they prepare for many different ministries and careers. In addition, his many years of experience in accreditation will enable him to help us to continue to meet the accreditation standards of all of our accrediting bodies,” said Dean Mumford.
“I am thrilled at the prospect of guiding the library to provide the highest quality and most responsive support to the community in all its endeavors,” said Callicott. “Sustainability and open access are concepts that inform much of my work as the library navigates the myriad of changes that have resulted from the transition from an analog to a digital world.” The Library, which is open to the public, currently offers 24/7 remote access to ebooks and research databases, video tutorials, pictorial guides, and information tools.
Faculty member Marcus Hong, who served as search committee chair added, “In addition to more than 20 years of experience in various library settings, Burton’s warm presence, excellent listening skills and quiet competence were evident to the search committee from the beginning. Through the interview process, we also came to understand that he brings to this role a kind of collaborative leadership that inspires trust in those with whom he works, as well as significant experience in and a compelling vision for the kind of institutional evaluation and accreditation that brings a community together to tell its story.”
Callicott is forever grateful to his wife, Alea McKinley, for all of her support and for the fact that she alerted him to the Public Services Librarian job post that initially brought him to the Louisville Seminary.
The Ernest Miller White Library was named in honor of the Seminary librarian who served from 1944-1985, which spanned the move from the downtown campus to the current location on Alta Vista Rd.