board of trustees winter meeting workbook · bio-remediation plan - update section 6 institutional...

Board of Trustees

Winter Meeting Workbook

January 26th – 27th , 2017

BOT Meeting January 26 - 27, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Agenda

Actions and Conversations Roster of Committee Members Board Minutes: October 2016 Meeting Board of Trustees Directory Demographics of Board Members 2017 Board Meeting Dates Board of Trustees Travel

SECTION 2 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Report of the President SECTION 3 BOARD AFFAIRS

Committee Description SECTION 4 INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES

Committee Description

Report of the Chief Financial Officer/Administration Report of the Office of Development NBTS Proposed Investment Policy Proposed Contract with Attorney of the Corinthian Partners case

SECTION 5 ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE

Committee Description Report of the Dean of Seminary Report of the Dean of Students Bio-Remediation Plan - Update

SECTION 6 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES

Committee Description Proposed Strategic Plan

Board of Trustees Winter Meeting

January 26-27, 2017

AGENDA

Thursday, January 26, 2017

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Board Affairs Committee – President’s Meeting Room

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Board Plenary I - Room Mast Chapel

3:30 pm – 5:00pm Board Committee Meetings I

Institutional Resources – Room 115

Academic & Student Life – Room 111

Institutional Structures – Room 201-A

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner

Friday, January 27, 2017

8:15 am – 8:30 am Morning Prayers – Chapel

8:30 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast – Hageman Hall

9:00 am – 10:30 am Board Committee Meeting II

Institutional Resources – Room 115

Academic & Student Life – Room 111

Institutional Structures – Room 201-A

10:45 am – 12:00 pm Board Plenary II - Room 205

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch – Conversation with Faculty Staff: Strategic Plan

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Board Plenary III - Room 205

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Executive Session

3:00 pm Adjournment

Actions & Conversations

Board of Trustees Winter Meeting

January 26 - 27, 2017

AREA TAB ACTIONS CONVERSATIONS

1. Board of Trustees Approval of Minutes October 2016

2. President and Moderator Reports

3. Board Affairs Report of the Presidential Search Committee in Executive Session

4. Academic & Student Life

Report of the Dean

Report of Dean of Students

5. Institutional Resources Revised Investment Guidelines

Retention of Richard Mills as Counsel

6. Institutional Structures

• Approval of Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Review

Roster of Committee Membership

New Brunswick Theological Seminary

2016 • 2017

Board Affairs ~ President’s Office

Barbara Felker, Chair

Rich Glendening

Michael Bos

Anna Jackson

Bart Strong

Gregg Mast, Administration

Institutional Resources ~ Room 115

Richard Glendening, Chair

Michael Bos

Liz Hance

Cathy Lewis

Peter Henry

Russell Paarlberg

Evans Spagner

Sandra Timmons

Ken Termott, Administration

Jaeseung Cha, Faculty

Virginia Wiles, Faculty

Academic and Student Life ~ Room 111

Carol Kuhlthau – Chair

Danielle Brown

David Choi

En Young Kim

Diane Tice

Dean Zimmerman

Will Ashley, Administration

Beth Tanner, Faculty

Faye Taylor, Faculty

Institutional Structures ~ Room 112

Deb Sterken, Chair

Barbara Felker

Fernando Jensen

Greg Jackson

Gay Morris

Bart Strong

Amaury Tanon-Santos

Elizabeth Testa

Gregg Mast, Administration

Lorena Parrish, Faculty

Raynard Smith, Faculty


Board of Trustees Minutes

Fall Meeting

October 27-28, 2016

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Present: Michael Bos, Diane Tice, Anna Jackson, Carol Kuhlthau, Richard Glendenning, Peter

Henry, Elizabeth Hance, Gay Morris, Bart Strong, Gregory Jackson, Dean Zimmerman, Russell

Paarlsburg, David Choi, En-Young Kim, Danielle Brown, Deb Sterken

Excused: Cathy Lewis, Fernando Jensen, Amaury Tanon-Santos, Barbara Felker, Evans

Spangler

Staff: Ken Termott, Joan Marshall, Will Ashley

Ex-Officio: Gregg Mast, Tom DeVries, Liz Testa

The meeting was called to order at 3:10pm with introduction of new trustees.

The Moderator, Anna Jackson gave a brief report, including an overview of how transitions will

be made looking towards Dr. Mast’s retirement and the search for a new president of the

seminary.

Dr. Mast gave the President’s report. Highlights include restoration and refurbishment of Sage

Library, programs and classes utilizing the facilities at NBTS, transitions required upon the

resignation of the Director of Development, an upcoming bioethics conference, formation of the

presidential search committee, investigation into financial losses, progress of a new strategic

plan, and that the $8M goal of the comprehensive campaign has been met.

Committee meetings took place from 3:30 to 5:00pm, followed by a dedication at Sage Library

at 5pm.

Friday, October 27, 2016

Present: Michael Bos, Diane Tice, Anna Jackson, Carol Kuhlthau, Richard Glendenning, Peter

Henry, Elizabeth Hance, Gay Morris, Bart Strong, Gregory Jackson, Dean Zimmerman, Russell

Paarlsburg, David Choi, En-Young Kim, Deb Sterken, Barbara Felker, Evans Spangler

Excused: Cathy Lewis, Fernando Jensen, Amaury Tanon-Santos, Danielle Brown

Staff: Ken Termott, Joan Marshall, Will Ashley

Ex-Officio: Gregg Mast, Tom DeVries, Liz Testa

The meeting was opened at 8:15am with a worship service led by Evans Spangler. Committee

meetings followed from 8:30am to 10:30am.

The plenary session convened at 10:45am with a message from Tom DeVries, the General

Secretary of the General Synod of the Reformed Church of America.

2016-22: It was moved (Peter Henry), seconded, and voted unanimously to accept the minutes

of April 28-29, July 27, and September 21, 2016 with the minutes of July 27 and September 21

be listed as conference calls rather than as meetings.

Board Affairs – Michael Bos

Action Items:

2016-23: It was voted unanimously to approve that the process for the presidential search be a

private, confidential process without public dissemination of candidate identities.

The new trustees each gave a brief introduction of themselves.

The Conflict of Interest and Annual Declaration for the Board Members of the New Brunswick

Theological Seminary were distributed and signed or read as appropriate to the document.

Academic & Student Life Committee – Carol Kuhlthau

Action Items

2016-24: It was voted unanimously to approve Dr. Beth Tanner’s proposal for a sabbatical for

the Spring, 2017 semester.

2016-25: It was voted unanimously to grant Dr. John Coakley the title and rank of Professor

Emeritus for his thirty-two years of distinguished service to our seminary.

2016-26: It was voted unanimously to approve the motion that the undersigned officers of the

board of trustees for New Brunswick Seminary hereby certify that the institution’s governing

board has authorized the application for Middle States Accreditation candidate status and

declared that the institution will make free available to the Commission accurate, fair, and

complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations.

2016-27: It was voted unanimously to amend the mission statement of the Reformed Church

Center Charter by adding “3. Inviting other traditions to join in conversations around issues that

are of concerns to the Reformed Church and are of relevance to the whole Church.”

Institutional Resources – Richard Glendenning

Action Items

2016-28: It was voted unanimously to replace the current investment policy asset mix to reflect

targets of 70% global equity (range 60-80%), 25% fixed income (Range 20-40%), and 5% (0-

25%) alternatives.

2016-29: It was moved (Richard Glendenning) and seconded (Peter Henry) and voted

unanimously to go into executive session.

Executive Session Minutes are located in permanent records.

2016-30: It was moved (Richard Glendenning) and seconded (Peter Henry) and voted

unanimously to go out of executive session.

2016-31: It was voted unanimously to approve the external audit as submitted.

Institutional Structures – Deb Sterken

Actions

The trustees, faculty, and staff ranked eight items for the strategic plan. A final plan will be

provided to the board at the January 2017 meeting.

Board Affairs – Anna Jackson

Conversations

The presidential search committee has been organized. The search process will be informed by

input from the multiple constituencies of the seminary.

Gregory Jackson emphasized the importance of some financial contribution from each trustee.

Pledge forms were distributed.

Academic & Student Life Committee – Carol Kuhlthau

Conversations

The importance of embracing and expressing creativity and innovation to the life and survival

was discussed, as was the current challenge of preparing students for work that may not be

directly in a church.

Institutional Resources – Richard Glendenning

Conversations

The committee has discussed hiring an investment consultant to monitor the investment

managers and to communicate with the committee. Jim Sonneborn from Regent Atlantic went

through the investment policy and policy asset mix with the committee.

Information flow and maintenance of relationships during transitions engendered by the

resignation of the Director of Development and the retirement of the President of the seminary

was discussed. It is hoped that there will be a new president identified before Dr. Mast’s

retirement in June, and hiring of a new development person will occur shortly thereafter. There

are some scenarios that will help establish continuity and maintain relationships with friends of

the seminary.

Institutional Structures – Deb Sterken

Conversations:

Conversations centered around the institutional plan.

2016-32: It was moved (Peter Henry), seconded (Liz Hance) and voted unanimously to adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by

Respectfully submitted,

Diane G. Tice

Secretary of the Board of Trustees

Board OF TRUSTEES 2016 -2017

2017 (2011)* The Rev. Michael S. Bos 306 W. 77th Street New York, NY 10024 (O) 212.787.1566 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown 84 Lewis St. Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 (C) 804.386.7488 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2019 (2016) The Rev. Dr. David Choi 63 Leavitt Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 (C)609-977-7184 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2017 (2014) Ms. Barbara A. Felker 175 Huguenot Street, Unit 2001 New Rochelle, NY 10801-0477 (H) 718.776.1706 (O) 516.881.7090 (C) 917.881.1464 [email protected] Board Affairs, Chair Institutional Structures 2017 (2014) Mr. Richard (Rich) Glendening 22 Peace St. Pella, IA 50219 (C) 515.657.2457 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Resources, Chair

2017 (2010)* Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Hance Treasurer 712 A Sussexway Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (C) 732.947.9898 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) Mr. Peter Henry, Esq. 15 Hunters Circle Lebanon, NJ 08833 (H) 908.287.1207 (O) 973.348.5366 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2012)* The Rev. Anna Jackson Moderator 94-79 Springfield Blvd. Queens Village, NY 11428 (C) 917.375.0837 [email protected] Board Affairs 2016 (2013) The Rev. Gregory J. Jackson Vice-Moderator 79 Allen Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 (C) 201.481.2932 [email protected] Institutional Structures 2016 (2013) The Rev. Dr. Fernando E. Jensen 3714 Marietta Way Saint Cloud, FL 34772 (C) 407.655.9385 [email protected] Institutional Structures

2017 (2014) The Rev. En Young Kim 636 Bogert Rd. River Edge, NJ 07661 (O) 201.566.4883 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2018 (2015) Dr. Carol C. Kuhlthau 50 Allison Rd. Princeton, NJ (H) 609.497.1556 [email protected] Academic & Student Life, Chair 2016 (2013) Mrs. Catherine (Cathy) A. Lewis 1164 VanCurler Avenue Schenectady, NY 12308 (H) 518.382.0579 (C) 518.428.5830 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2018 (2015) Mrs. Gay K. Morris 3958 Mt. Vernon Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (H) 323.299.4180 (C) 323.428.6294 [email protected] Institutional Structures 2017 (2016) Russell Paarlberg, Esq. 938 West US 30 Schererville,IN 46375 (C)219.864.1700 [email protected] Institutional Resources

mailto:[email protected]















Board OF TRUSTEES 2016 -2017

2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Evans Spagner 5 King Richard’s Ct. Watchung, NJ 07060 (H) 908.322.5574 (C) 908.656.2325 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2017 (2011)* Mrs. Deborah P. Sterken 268 Maple Ave. Holland, MI 49423 (H) 616.392.4663 (M) 616.405.8993 [email protected] Institutional Structures, Chair 2017 (2014) Mr. Barton (Bart) Strong 6 Silverbirch Blvd. Mount Hope, Ontario L0R1W9 (H) 905.679.3632 (C) 905.518.5669 [email protected] Board Affairs Institutional Structures 2018 (2015) The Rev. Dr. Amaury Tañón-Santos 45R Reading Rd. Edison, NJ 08817 [email protected] Institutional Structures

2017 (2015) Dr. Diane G. Tice Secretary 8409 Indian Hill Rd Manlius, NY 13104 (O) 315.684.6140 (H) 315.682.5439 [email protected] Academic & Student Life 2018 (2015) Ms. Sandra Timmons 170 Prospect Ave. #17K Hackensack, NJ 07601 (H) 201.489.9468 (C) 917.623.9895 [email protected] Institutional Resources 2019 (2016) Dr. Dean Zimmerman 7 Sussex Road East Brunswick, NJ (C)848-391-5285 [email protected] Academic & Student Life EX-OFFICIO The Rev. Dr. Gregg A. Mast 35 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (O) 732.247.5241 (C) 518.859.2114 (F) 732.249.5412 [email protected]

The Rev. Dr.Tom De Vries Gen. Secretary, Ref. Church in America 4500 60th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (O) 616.698.7071 (F) 616.698.6606 [email protected] **************************** The Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Testa Women’s Transformation & Leadership Reformed Church in America 35 Seminary Place New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (O) 616.541.0897 (C) 646.646-4744 [email protected] Institutional Structures












DEMOGRAPHICS OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP

New Brunswick Theological Seminary 2016 • 2017

* Indicates a trustee is serving a second term. Revised 06/2015

1

Male Female Clergy Ethnic/Minority Ex-Officio

Bos* Brown Bos* Felker De Vries

Choi Felker Brown Brown Mast

Glendening Hance* Choi Choi

Henry Jackson, A* Jackson, A* Jackson, A*

Jackson, G Kim Jackson, G Jackson, G

Jensen Kuhlthau Jensen Jensen

Paarlberg Lewis Kim Kim

Spagner Morris Spagner Morris

Strong Sterken* Tanon-Santos Spagner

Tanon-Santos Tice Tanon-Santos

Zimmerman Timmons Timmons

NBTS Graduates Trustees from the Regional Synods, RCA

Brown 2010 RSA Lewis (2016)

Felker 2012 RSC Strong (2017)

Jackson, A* 2000 RSH Glendening (2017)

Jensen 1991 RSM-Am Paarlberg (2017)

Kim 2001 RSFW Morris (2018)

Mast 1976 RSM-At Hance* (2017)

Tanon-Santos 2011 RSNY Jackson, A* (2017)

RSGL Sterken* (2017)




2

Members of the RCA Members of Other Denominations

Bos* Brown Baptist

Felker Choi PCUSA

Glendening Jackson, G Baptist

Hance* Kuhlthau Methodist

Henry Spagner Baptist

Jackson, A* Tanos-Santos PCUSA

Jensen Timmons Baptist

Kim Zimmerman Non-Denominational

Lewis

Morris

Paarlberg Sterken* Strong Tice

Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Bos* Brown Jackson, G* (Choi)

(Choi) Henry Jensen* (Paarlberg)

Felker Jackson, A* Lewis* (Zimmerman)

Glendening Kuhlthau

Hance* Morris

Kim Spagner

(Paarlberg) Tanon-Santos

Sterken* Timmons

Strong

Tice

(Zimmerman)


BOT Meeting Dates

2016 - 2017

January 2017

Thursday, 26 – Friday, 27

April 2017


October 2017


Board of Trustees Travel

Accommodations (New Location)

The Heldrich Hotel NEW BRUNSWICK

10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Phone #: (732) 729-4670

Hotel Parking:

*****Driving Directions - from the Heldrich to the Morris Street Self Parking

Garage

10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 TO 70 New Street, New

Brunswick, NJ 08901

Depart RT-171 / Livingston Ave toward New St

Turn left onto New Street

Arrive at 70 New St, New Brunswick, NJ

The last intersection is George St / CR-672. If you reach Neilson St, you've gone

too far.

***Walking Directions - from Self Parking Garage to the Heldrich Hotel

70 New Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 TO 10 Livingston Avenue, New

Brunswick, NJ 08901

Depart New St toward George St / CR-6720

Turn right onto RT-171 / Livingston Ave

Arrive at 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ on the right

The last intersection is New St. If you reach Monument Sq, you've gone too far.

To save on parking expenses – trustees can park their cars in the seminary lot

and use the hotel shuttle service.

Shuttle Service:

For those who have requested shuttle service, please remember to cancel or

reschedule shuttle service 1 hour prior to pick-up. Call 1.800.427.3207 and give the

operator your confirmation number to reschedule or cancel. If service is not rescheduled

your reservation will be canceled and the seminary will be charged for the unused

reservation and the new reservation if service is not canceled within 1 hour prior to pick-

up.

1

President’s Report

Board of Trustees, New Brunswick Theological Seminary

January 26, 2017

It always gives me great joy to welcome the Board back to campus and to

our agenda of hope for this seminary we love and serve. On Saturday, January 28th

I will mark the eleventh anniversary of my installation as your president, a memory

that grows richer with each passing year. This January’s meeting presents us with

two important decisions regarding our future and the gracious hints of God’s

evolving future for us.

1. New Strategic Plan

For the past two years the Institutional Structures Committee has led us

through a process of imagining a new strategic plan for our seminary. You

may remember that the accreditation visit of the Association of Theological

Schools in the fall of 2014 mandated that we create a new plan to replace a

strategic plan we adopted in 2007 and which guided us toward the decisions

to sell a portion of our campus in order to construct this building and rebuild

our endowment and reserves. As we turn to the proposed strategic plan

found in your workbook after Tab 6, we are grateful for the work of the

committee and especially Dr. Bart Strong who have led us through a process

of reflection and visioning. We have planned a lunch with the faculty

tomorrow to begin to translate the five goals identified in the plan into

measurable objectives which will be presented to the Board at its April

meeting for review.

2. Response to Financial Loss

One of the most painful experiences of my eleven years as your president

was the dramatic loss of assets under the management of Corinthian Partners

and Victoria Van Dyke. In response to the loss, the Institutional Resources

Committee has worked over the last seven months, in consultation with

investment professionals, to craft a revised set of guidelines for our

investments. The new Investment Policy can be found after Tab 4 and awaits

action by the Board at this meeting. In addition, the Committee has retained

the services of Regent-Atlantic for a $25,000 annual fee to review monthly

the investment results of our four managers and to make sure that they are

acting in compliance with the Guidelines. Finally, the Committee has placed

before the Board a proposed contract with Richard Mills, who has already

begun to explore the grounds for a settlement with Corinthian Partners and

Victoria Van Dyke, to reimburse some or all of the losses which occurred in

2

the their portfolio between October, 2015 and the end of April, 2016 when

we discharged Victoria Van Dyke. We believe that our communication in

October of 2015 to Ms. Van Dyke, and acknowledged in writing by her,

directing her to move to a conservative investment strategy, gives us a

foundation for success in this matter.

3. Presidential Search Committee

We are grateful to Anna Jackson and Michael Bos, who co-chair the

Presidential Search Committee, and to Trustees Evans Spagner, Carol

Kuhlthau and Greg Jackson who also serve on the Committee. We have

carved out the last half hour of our agenda to meet in executive session to

receive an update from the Committee. It remains our firm hope that we will

have a single candidate to introduce to the Board at our April meeting.

4. Building Use

One of the more exciting parts of moving into our new facility has been the

significant increase it has received from community groups. We are

particularly grateful to welcome to Grace Chapel, a congregation of the

Christian Reformed Church which now worships in our building on Sunday

evening, Tuesday evening, and early Saturday mornings. As you may know,

Graceway Chapel which is pastored by Dr. David Choi and which has

worshiped in our building for last four years also uses our facilities on a

weekly basis. In the first six months of this fiscal year, we have hosted 85

events by non-seminary groups which contributed $63,734 toward our

budget. Michelle Sanders, when she assumed her role as my executive

assistant a year ago, also assumed the title of Special Events Coordinator for

which we are deeply grateful.

5. Library Update

At our October Board meeting, we celebrated the conclusion of the work on

the exterior of the library. Through the generosity of our friends and

supporters, we spent approximately $300,000 to clean and repair the exterior

of Gardner Sage. It was our hope that following the completion of this work

we would quickly turn our focus to re-plastering, re-painting and re-

carpeting the interior. A final inspection of the exterior work however

revealed that in spite of water sealing the two ramps on the north side of the

library, a significant leak remained in the brick work above the east ramp.

The weather was not cooperative in the needed repair, but it has been finally

finished and we can now turn toward the interior including addressing issues

of air quality in the basement immediately below the leak. We are delighted

3

to announce that $200,000 from the Comprehensive Campaign has been

moved by the donors from the undesignated category to the Library

Refurbishment budget which will allow us to address our interior concerns.

I am also delighted to report that we have concluded the campaign with a

total of $8.2 million, an amount in excess of our goal and a great tribute to

our donors.

6. Enrollment

The issue of enrollment is one that has moved from being important to

essential to our plans and future. We are grateful that our enrollment for the

spring semester is a little higher than the fall semester and so this year’s

adjusted budget is certainly realistic. However, the Association of

Theological Schools (ATS) which observed three years ago that 75% of

seminaries were experiencing enrollment decline has recently increased the

number to 90% of the 275 seminaries that belong to ATS. It is clear that we

are facing a dramatic shift in the church culture in North America that is

impacting our mission and very existence. We continue to explore new

markets of potential students, new degrees and new programs to extend our

mission into the world. I think it is fair to observe as we imagine a new

strategic plan and call a new president to serve this seminary we love, that

the issue of enrollment and our mission now needs to be the single most

important focus of our life and planning.

7. Homiletics search

After the departure of Dr. Bernadette Glover, our professor of preaching, in

June of 2015, we pursued a search for her replacement. Quite frankly, we

were not convinced that among the candidates who applied last year we

would find our person, and so we mounted a new search this school year.

The initial response of 45 possible candidates gave us hope. The Search

Committee, which includes Trustees Danielle Brown and Michael Bos, has

narrowed the field and will host two final candidates in these last two weeks

of January. Assuming the committee and the president can come to a

positive conclusion to the search, I will present to the Board a final tenure

track candidate by way of a conference call sometime in the next month.

8. Middle States

For decades, New Brunswick Seminary has talked about the possibility of

applying for accreditation from Middle States. Although our accreditation

with the Association of Theological Seminaries is adequate for our students

and our mission, an additional accreditation by the association that reviews

4

the work of all of the colleges and universities and a few seminaries in the

Middle States region, would position us to seek partnerships with secular

educational institutions. Through the leadership of Dean Ashely and the

faithful work of Dr. Terry Smith, we hand delivered last week our

application to Middle States. To give you a sense of the enormity of this

project, the largest addendum to the application included thirty two

documents totaling more than 1,800 pages! While the process includes both

a self-study and a site visit, we have begun and are delighted.

Allow me to conclude this report with a word about our April meeting.

Through the leadership of our Board Officers, we are planning a retirement

banquet on Friday evening, April 28th. This will require trustees to spend an

extra evening and perhaps night here in New Brunswick. I am looking

forward to this time when we will recall our journey together and give

thanks for God’s faithfulness in our work.

Board Affairs Committee

Purpose: The Board Affairs Committee is responsible for strengthening and supporting Board

commitment and function.

Responsibilities: In consultation with the President and the moderator, Board Affairs is to:

1. Promote the development of the Board of Trustees as a spiritually unified and

mutually supportive body.

2. Provide orientation for new members, educational opportunities and materials to

enhance the Board’s effectiveness and awareness of its responsibilities, as

expressed in the Constitution and By-Laws and the Declaration for Board Members.

3. Ensure the continued strength of the Board by presenting the names of well-

qualified, diverse and committed nominees for the Board and the Board’s executive

offices.

4. Administer the Declaration for New Trustees and oversee orientation and training.

5. Contact members who were absent from Board meetings to communicate major

issues and decisions.

6. Keep the Board informed about issues and developments in theological education.

7. Provide evaluative materials for the board to exercise its oversight of the President

and its own work.

8. Recommend polices, procedures and by-law amendments that strengthen the

board’s commitment to the seminary’s mission.




1

Male Female Clergy Ethnic/Minority Ex-Officio

Bos* Brown Bos* Felker De Vries

Choi Felker Brown Brown Mast

Glendening Hance* Choi Choi

Henry Jackson, A* Jackson, A* Jackson, A*

Jackson, G Kim Jackson, G Jackson, G

Jensen Kuhlthau Jensen Jensen

Paarlberg Lewis Kim Kim

Spagner Morris Spagner Morris

Strong Sterken* Tanon-Santos Spagner

Tanon-Santos Tice Tanon-Santos

Zimmerman Timmons Timmons

NBTS Graduates Trustees from the Regional Synods, RCA

Brown 2010 RSA Lewis (2016)

Felker 2012 RSC Strong (2017)

Jackson, A* 2000 RSH Glendening (2017)

Jensen 1991 RSM-Am Paarlberg (2017)

Kim 2001 RSFW Morris (2018)

Mast 1976 RSM-At Hance* (2017)

Tanon-Santos 2011 RSNY Jackson, A* (2017)

RSGL Sterken* (2017)




2

Members of the RCA Members of Other Denominations

Bos* Brown Baptist

Felker Choi PCUSA

Glendening Jackson, G Baptist

Hance* Kuhlthau Methodist

Henry Spagner Baptist

Jackson, A* Tanos-Santos PCUSA

Jensen Timmons Baptist

Kim Zimmerman Non-Denominational

Lewis

Morris

Paarlberg Sterken* Strong Tice

Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Bos* Brown Jackson, G* (Choi)

(Choi) Henry Jensen* (Paarlberg)

Felker Jackson, A* Lewis* (Zimmerman)

Glendening Kuhlthau

Hance* Morris

Kim Spagner

(Paarlberg) Tanon-Santos

Sterken* Timmons

Strong

Tice

(Zimmerman)

Institutional Resources Committee

Purpose: Institutional Resources Committee is responsible for oversight of fiscal

matters and the preservation and expansion of assets, both financial assets

and the physical plant.

Responsibilities: In consultation with administration and faculty, the Institutional Resources

Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Trustees and

facilitate essential tasks such as the following:

Budgets

Audit

Long range financial planning

Physical property management

Invested asset management

Alumni/ae Relations

Office of Communications Report

The Communications office has been incredibly busy and productive. In an effort to strengthen

and reinforce our brand, our brand system is increasingly being applied to all communications

from the Seminary. Similarly, we have been working to establish a common format for our

printed materials, especially including all of our forms, beginning with application

forms. We’ve developed and updated a set of multi-use marketing materials for the school and

for our program offerings.

We recently sent out an Alumni newsletter after a few months without one. A plan is being

developed to make our alumni communications significantly more timely and engaging - this

will include a revamped section on the website for Alumni News as well as regular emails.

We partnered with Dr. Raynard Smith to successfully promote the Bioethics conference and

videotape the presentations. The keynote address video is posted on our website, along with a

number of other video content from the past year.

Our website is continually being updated - not only frequent information and content updates,

but also improvements in organization of and navigation through our information.

We have a firm commitment to the increased use of social media - currently primarily Facebook

and Twitter, and we are continuing to explore ways to use social media for quick/timely

communications as well as platforms for the development of community engagement online.

The office has provided support to the presidential search committee, primarily in the forms of

email support, development of promotional materials, and consultation on communication

strategies for the committee.

As we look toward the spring, we look toward continued development of our communications

infrastructure (continued improvements to our utilization of social media, website organization

and content improvements, and an effort to actively promote our programs in the local, national,

and global media.

Office of Development Report

Since our last meeting, The Development Office has successfully created and distributed the

following materials to respective NBTS constituency:

-Pledge reminders were sent to all that have given in 2014-2015 consecutively.

-The 2016 NBTS Annual Report and Year End Mailing(written by Dr. Will Ashley)

-2016 Christmas Cards

-Trustee Circle Directory, which is a list of all former trustees from 1985 through today was sent

to all members so they have the opportunity to reconnect.

Grants/Asks:

-Funding requests were submitted to five Foundations, Congregations and individuals.

-Grant updates have been sent to Marble Collegiate Church.

Building a New Future Comprehensive Campaign:

-We have successfully surpassed our goal of $8million.

Cultivation/Stewardship:

-Dr. Mast and Ramona Larsen visited churches to give updates regarding the Comprehensive

Campaign and Library improvements.

Raiser's Edge:

-Raiser's Edge test module was sent to Ramona and reviewed. The status of the Development

Office database for the implementation of Raiser's Edge NXT is good.

Gregg Mast Retirement:

-The book is being written and the request for sponsors has been drafted. This invitation to

support the project will go out in the next few weeks.

-Preliminary planning has begun for the 3 retirement events which will take place in NJ, NY and

MI.


Chief Financial Officer Report

January 2017 Board Meeting

Revenue

1. Tuition revenue is below budget because a Certificate Program and

D-Min class did not materialize.

2. Private Gifts and Grants are below budget at this time - new appeal letters

are being prepared by the Development Dept. to be mailed out.

3. Other Sources of Income are ahead of the Budget because of increased

use of our building.

Expenses

1. The instruction expense line is down from last year because we are functioning

with two fewer full time faculty positions. Search processes are in place and at

at this time, the classes are being taught by adjunct faculty.

2. The Academic expense line is over budget because of increased costs of software

Licenses and increased cost for Library Database usage.

3. The Plant and Operations expense line is above the budget because of seasonal

expenses for the fall maintenance and the purchase of winter supplies for the

upkeep of sidewalks and parking lot.

In Total

1. Even though we are little behind in revenue against our Budget, we are hopeful

that the Spring semester will be bring us into line with the budget. Our expenses

are below budget and we will continue to monitor them.

Year to Date Year to Date Year to Date Prior Year to

Actual at Budget at Variance at Date Actual at

12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2016 12/31/2015

Operations

Revenue

Educational & General Revenue

Tutition and Fee Revenue $591,699 $645,604 ($53,905) $636,302

Private Gifts & Grants $406,862 $509,374 ($102,512) $336,144

Income From Donor Restricted Funds $329,634 $344,602 ($14,968) $249,634

Other Sources of Income $99,620 $84,250 $15,370 $77,747

Income from Unrestricted Funds $220,000 $224,006 ($4,006) $210,000

Total Educational & General Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827

Total Revenue $1,647,815 $1,807,836 ($160,021) $1,509,827

Expenditures

Educational & General Expenditures

Instruction $488,377 $523,315 $34,938 $423,709

Academic Support $274,341 $264,552 ($9,789) $230,705

Institutional Support $811,229 $870,815 $59,586 $887,099

Plant Operations & Maintance $206,617 $197,225 ($9,392) $235,580

Scholarships $112,642 $137,812 $25,170 $161,174

Total Educational & General Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267

Total Expenditures $1,893,206 $1,993,719 $100,513 $1,938,267

Net Operations Surplus/(Deficit) ($245,391) ($185,883) ($59,506) ($428,440)

Non - Operations

Depreciation

Educational & General Assets $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080

Total Depreciation $254,101 $0 ($254,101) $250,080

THIS REPORT IS UNAUDITED AND FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY


Combined Income Statement

As of December 31, 2016

Page 1 of 1

Academic and Student Life Committee

Purpose: The Academic and Student Life Committee is responsible to attend to the academic

structure, policies and programs of the Seminary, as well as student issues and concerns to

ensure that the stated educational philosophy, aims, and purposes of the Seminary are

accomplished in accord with the mission of NBTS.

Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that all academic activities are carried out within the mission of NBTS.

2. Be familiar with the academic structure, curricula, admission, and graduation

requirements of the Seminary; and review recruitment, retention, and placement data to ensure it meets strategic objectives.

3. Ensure that the Seminary provides an academic program characterized by excellence

in teaching, scholarship, and intellectual climate, and that it nurtures the formation of

degrees, certificates, and dispensations. This includes ensuring that the excellence of

the academic program is maintained through consistent and rigorous use of assessment

and documentation, and a review of academic policies and programs.

4. Review and address the needs in the lives of students, for example, assessing

communal and individual student life, ensuring that the worship and spiritual life of

students are attended to, assessing housing needs, and advocating for financial

resources for students.

5. Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on matters concerning academic

policies to be added to the Faculty Handbook, the approval of new degree programs,

the granting of degrees to appropriate candidates, the granting of certificates of fitness

for ministry to RCA candidates and the approval of alternate means for satisfying

theological requirements for RCA candidates.

6. Make recommendations regarding searches, tenure, promotion, leave, and other faculty

policies to the Board of Trustees.

NEW BRUNSWICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY

The Reverend Dr. Willard W C Ashley, Sr. Dean of the Seminary – Associate Professor, Practical Theology

Report to the Board of Trustees, January 2017

January 20, 2017

1. Allow us to celebrate! We officially submitted the initial application for Regional Middle States

Higher Education Accreditation. This is a three-year process at best and can be longer if NBTS

hits a bump. Under the able leadership of Dr. Terry Smith, we are on the right road to reach

this goal of Middle States Accreditation. We thank Dr. Terry Smith for working with

administration, staff and faculty to compile and write what amounts to about 2,000 pages.

The documents were sent electronically and hand delivered. We already see the benefits of

incorporating more rigorous accreditation standards and policies, which major universities

utilize.

2. The trainer for our integrated Blackbaud system will be on campus for one week in the early

part of this February 2017. We will soon after be able to hit the on switch and welcome NBTS

into new way of doing business. Our sincere thanks to Yasha People who said over one year

ago, “We can do this!”

3. And then there were three. We are in what we hope are the final stages of our search process

for a Professor of Homiletics and Worship. We started with 45 candidates. We have narrowed

our process to three candidates who have been invited to our campus. We hope to have a

candidate to present to the board within the next few weeks.

4. We are happy to announce the next step in our Undoing Racism, ARTT initiative. April of this

year our Field Education supervisors and local New Brunswick community leaders will sit

together on our campus for the same two and a half-day training that our board experienced.

Our thanks to Drs. Faye Taylor and Michael Granzen who are leading this effort.

5. Please offer words of thanks to our faculty and staff for such a smooth transition into our new

84 credit MDIV Curriculum. The expected bumps were few. In each case, we came up with a

workable solution for the student. Our assessment feedback on the new curriculum is positive.

6. We offer thanks to Dr. Lorena Parrish for the successful revision of our DMIN Handbook. She

and Dr. Kim Credit as cohort director, launched our DMIN Cohort in Transformational

Preaching in January 2017. Pray with Dr. Parrish as she envisions what our Metro Urban

Ministry programs will look like under her leadership.

7. We celebrate the wonderful work of Jeanette Carrillo, who is supervising our Spanish speaking

certificate program in Paterson, New Jersey. We expect this program to grow within the

Greater New York Metro area.

8. Finally, I am pleased to announce the release of the book, Engage: A Theological Field

Education Toolkit, edited by Matthew Floding, Duke Divinity School. I contributed a chapter on

pastoral care. Same pew: please congratulate Dr. Faye Taylor who agreed to serve on the

planning board for the Association for Theological Field Educators (ATFE).

Respectfully submitted,

Willard W C Ashley, Sr.

OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Joan Marshall - Dean of Students

Report to Board of Trustees - January 2017

Admissions

1. See attached Enrollment Plan for 2016 – 2018

2. Growing NBTS is a monthly meeting designed to engage in creative enrollment management.

The stated purpose is to grow the seminary in numbers and in depth. Representation at the

meeting include: the President, Dean of Students, Dean of the Seminary, faculty members,

Communications Director, Director of Library Services, and Director of the NY campus. The

conversations have been very fruitful and some plans have been implemented. The areas of

discussion, research, and action include:

o Effectively engaging denominational leaders

o Developing the certificate program as a feeder for master level programs

o Engaging the universities that surround our campuses

o Engaging alumni in a more significant manner

3. The next new program to “roll- out” is the DMin in Metro Urban Ministry slated to begin Fall

2017. We are very excited about this program and believe many students will sign-up quickly.

4. The Student Services department is eagerly anticipating the implementation of the Blackbaud

software to enhance and expedite the enrollment process.

Retention

There have been three, Saturday morning communication workshops facilitated by a Rutgers

instructor. On average eight NBTS students and guests were in attendance. It was very well

received by all. The workshop topics were communications boot camp, public speaking, and

writing for research.

Support

This Christmas season the three NBTS student groups (SSIM, KOSAN, AOBS) enjoyed a very

merry Christmas party. Eight NY students came in a van and enjoyed the food and

fellowship. In the rush of a commuter context it is good to take time and commune in a

relaxed setting.

Placement

Students have the benefit of attending Career Services workshops. These will take place

once again in February on both the NY and NJ campuses. The workshops are facilitated by

an experienced outside vendor- B.E.S.T. Talent Management. The in-depth workshops work

together with the denominational receptions sponsored by the President. Denomination

specific receptions take place monthly and allow students and leaders to connect. Students

learn the requirements for ordination in their own, in other denominations.

Community

Students care for each other and demonstrate this by praying for each other’s burdens. When a

personal or family tragedy occurs, the Dean of Students sends out a prayer request and the

student in need has the benefit of knowing that many people is praying for him or her.

Administration

This past semester the Dean of Students had an intern from the Rutgers School of Social Work.

This intern was studying non-profit management and marketing. It was very good to have his

assistance to complete various long awaited projects.

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New Brunswick Theological Seminary (revised 2016)

2016-2018 Enrollment Plan

Mission Statement Called in Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, New Brunswick Theological Seminary participates in God's own

laboring to fulfill God's reign on earth.

Rooted in the Reformed tradition and centered in its trust of God's sovereignty and grace, the Seminary is an inter-

cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith, learning, and scholarship committed to its metro-urban and global

contexts.

Our mission is to educate persons and strengthen communities for transformational, public ministries in church and

society. We fulfill this mission through creative, contextual, and critical engagement with texts, traditions, and

practices.

The Seminary seeks to serve men and women of all ages, church traditions and racial/ethnic backgrounds with

academic programs suited to their needs. Students are welcome to study full or part-time, day and evening.

The Seminary draws upon the resources of its university contexts for graduate instruction in a variety of academic

disciplines. Located in a socially diverse, religiously plural and racially mixed metropolitan culture, the Seminary

seeks the integration of a classical theological education with the effective practice of ministry in urban, suburban and

rural churches and institutions.

Environmental Scans

External Environmental Scan -

Opportunities

Since 2009 The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), member schools have:

graduated record numbers of non-MDiv students with the 2013 number of 8,240 the highest

ever reported since ATS began keeping records in 1978;

enrolled and graduated record numbers of professional MA students;

enrolled record numbers of academic MA students , now at their highest levels ever at 9,459,

up 5 percent since 2009;

enrolled record numbers of minority students;

enrolled record numbers of international student with the peak reached in 2010 at 6,550.

(The Association of Theological Schools; The Commission on Accrediting, February 20, 2015)

NBTS is an independent, mainline Protestant school that serves racial /ethnic constituencies. Non-white

populations of North America are growing and so are the enrollment of African Americans and Hispanics

in theological schools. (In Trust, “Sobering figures point to overall enrollment decline”, Spring 2013, Vol.

24, No 3.)

Students who have a strong church background, have been brought up in church, and have

ministry/church leadership experience are more likely to seek out seminary education than those who

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are newer to the church. There is also an upsurge in the number of 20 year olds as well as people in

their 50s & 60s who are enrolling in seminary. (In Trust, “Sobering figures point to overall enrollment

decline”, Spring 2013, Vol. 24, No 3.)

Challenges

1. The state of the church in the United States is changing, and the rapidity of change is increasing. ATS schools serve a religious reality that is changing deeply and pervasively.

Pew Research indicates that overall religious adherence has declined. A large number of religious attenders have changed denominations at least once; a growing percentage of the population is generically religious but without any particular religious involvement.

From several reports we learn many denominations are declining both in membership and in their ability to serve as an organizing center for congregational ministry.

Gallup surveys indicate that trust in religious institutions has been declining and continues to decline.

Studies indicate that congregational practices are changing: expressions like clapping and raised hands in worship services have increased, and printed bulletins and robed choirs have decreased. We know that an ever-larger percentage of religious attenders are active in larger membership congregations.

One study indicates the characteristics of people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, and a recent study indicates that the majority of persons who claim a kind of spirituality are, in fact, engaged in religious practices.

The Center for Applied Research for the Apostolate states that the US Roman Catholic Church will become majority Hispanic and Asian before 2030. While the number of Catholics continues to increase, the number of weekly mass attenders lags. (ATS State of the Industry Webinar transcript – September 18, 2015)

2. North American theological schools are facing major challenges in the early years of the 21st century. The recession of 2008 hit seminaries and divinity schools hard, but even before the financial downturn, they were facing declining enrollment and soaring overhead. This downward turn reflects the general decline in church attendance for mainline denominations. (In Trust, Spring 2013).

3. Another observation is found in the explicit decision of the University Senate of the United

Methodist Church in 2007 to remove NBTS and other seminaries close to the Methodist

Seminary at Drew from the approved list of institutions for their candidates. At the time of this

action, 10-15% of NBTS student body was Methodist. Over the last few years the African

Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has encouraged their candidates to look more closely at

Drew as a Methodist institution, as well as at Payne Seminary in Ohio and ITC in Atlanta. NBTS

has watched a steady decline of AME students over the last few years. There have been,

however, overtures to and from the Bishop and President of Payne which may reverse this

trend.

3

4. International student visas are declining due to homeland security restraints and other nations

limiting visas.

Internal Environmental Scan

Opportunities Data indicates (In Trust) that the demographic diversity (age, race, gender) seen at NBTS is a growing sector for seminary enrollment.

Additionally the following changes within NBTS give the seminary a competitive edge:

1. The NBTS five-year strategic plan ranks positioning the seminary as a global resource for Urban

Ministry as a top priority.

2. Expanded usage of the new building in rental opportunities has broadened the NBTS brand and

connection with Rutgers and the surrounding community.

3. The new professional MA in Ministry and Community Leadership requires 39 credits to

complete. This degree opens up new markets for the Seminary.

4. Distance learning offerings have increased - 30% (Fall 2015)

5. The Director of Communications has increased the effectiveness of NBTS branding.

6. Library refurbishment and New Library Director have expanded the visibility and usage of the

Library.

7. The successful completion of a three-year, $8 Mil capital campaign has strengthened the

Seminary’s financial foundation.

8. Increased efficiency in customer service is anticipated for spring 2017 with the implementation

of Blackbaud, an integrated student management system.

Challenges

There has been, in the last six years, a dramatic drop in enrollment from about 100 FTEs to about 70

FTEs in the fall of 2013. This 30% drop has caused a significant shortfall in the seminary budget. With

each FTE valued at about $14,000 annually, it means this drop of 30 FTEs over the last five semesters is a

loss of income of more than $400,000. (From Gregg Mast’s report to the Board Sept 2013)

Additionally, the seminary is challenged by:

1. Curriculum revision in 2015 which allowed many students to graduate earlier than they

anticipated. The largest class in NBTS’s history graduated in 2016. The effects of this shift are

still being felt.

2. There is a need to institutionalize Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM). SEM is a total

institution, administration initiated and data driven endeavor.

3. Currently one full-time recruiter works to bring students to both campuses. There is a need for

expansion in both NY and NJ with recruitment personnel and resources focused on the NY

campus.

4. Relatively limited scholarships are available to current and incoming students, making full time

enrollment a challenge.

5. The Seminary is working on increasing the marketing budget to meet the Seminary’s needs.

4

Strategy for Enrollment

Prospective students enter seminary because they are influenced by a relationship with God, church,

theological perspective and society. (NBTS ESQ 2016-17 chart 16) Relational methods of engagement

are necessary for recruitment purposes.

In light of the external and internal environmental challenges and opportunities, the enrollment team of

the Seminary has decided on the following strategy in both our New York and New Jersey campuses:

I To Continue the following activities:

1. Contact and visit targeted pastors/congregations/associations to present the programs of the

Seminary;

2. Represent the Seminary at regional/ denominational conferences;

3. Solicit students to recommend prospective students through the ‘Give Me Five’ campaign;

4. Market and hold monthly Information Sessions for small groups on NY and NJ campuses;

5. Manage and follow - up inquiries that come through various points of entry to move

prospective students from inquiry status to enrollment status;

6. Communicate to organizations renting the NJ facility regarding program offerings;

7. Respond to campus visit requests allowing the NJ campus to sell itself.

II To Expand in the following areas to enlarge prospect pool:

1. Outreach to local NY, NJ undergraduate sectors including:

Religion and philosophy departments;

Career Services Departments at Christian colleges;

Campus ministries in all of their diversity.

2. Train a diverse team of ambassadors to attend events in NY and NJ.

Train in New York four ambassadors;

Train in New Jersey five ambassadors.

3. Expand targeted social media recruitment campaigns:

Enhance Prospective Student website design features.

III To Recommend for seminary wide approval and participation:

Strategic focus on the development of NBTS as an international resource for urban ministry;

Denominational connections with leaders, current students and prospective students using

Presidential Receptions;

Certificate Program expansion with financial incentive towards masters level degree

completion;

Stronger ties with various Christian colleges, graduate programs, denominational bodies;

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Intentionally offering continuing education opportunities for hospital and military chaplains

to attract prospective students;

Continuing Education opportunities for congregations;

Request and install NBTS Signage on NY campus;

Enhance services for NY campus so students are enthusiastic about word-of-mouth

recruitment;

Institutionalize a strategy for attracting millennial students. Over 2 – 3 days invite students

to experience the seminary as it addresses issues of justice and addresses the spiritual needs

of “nones”.

Markets

Primary Focus: Prospective students with a desire to deepen the theological foundations of their faith in order to strengthen their ability to provide ministry in the 21st century. Our degrees MA(academic) – pastors, educators moving toward PhD, Christian educators,

MA (professional) – leaders in various vocations that desire to enhance their ministry,

leadership and social engagement skills

MDiv – pastors, youth ministers, chaplains, church planters, non- profit directors, cross

cultural workers, counseling/ spiritual direction,

DMin – pastors/ denominational leaders, community leaders

Secondary Focus:

Prospective international students

Certificate – lay leaders, educators, professionals for our Certificate Programs.

Lay leaders, educators

6

Positioning Statements

New Brunswick Theological Seminary is uniquely positioned as a seminary of choice for the following

reasons:

NBTS develops leaders - Pastors, congregational leaders, chaplains, teachers, businesspersons (2009

NBTS AQ Tables 10, 13, 14, 15)

Strengths –

1. Historic – oldest Protestant seminary in North America

2. New Building occupied in the fall of 2014

3. New 30% Hybrid courses

4. Flexible full time/part time scheduling options

5. Relational Faculty

6. Intimate learning settings

7. Affordability

8. Metro urban (& global) focus

9. Diversity

10. Grads go into the pastorate, chaplaincy, education, community, and business leadership

11. A satellite at St John’s University that bolsters enrollment

12. Both campuses located within large universities providing great opportunity for collaboration

and visibility

Challenges –

1. Limited onsite permanent/ commuter housing;

2. Relatively limited scholarships;

3. Currently limited continuing education classes/certificates while the market is wide open

4. Technologically challenged by limited online application capacity and no online registration

capacity

5. No established alumni association.

Competitive Set

Tier 1 (Direct Competitors):

Princeton

NY Theological Seminary

Drew

Alliance Theological Seminary/ Nyack

Palmer

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Key Differentiators

Practical hands- on ministry emphasis

ARTT – in 10th year of 20 year process to dismantle institutional racism

Accessible, evening-school orientation

Smaller community- low faculty student ratio

Urban ministry focus

Location – Central Jersey – on NJ Transit line

Location – most eastern accredited seminary in NYC at St. John’s campus

Enrollment Objectives and Goals

Fall 2017 Budgeted FTEs 93 Current FTE 70 Difference 23 FTEs or 276 credits

Currently enrolled 70 FTE’s – approximately 124 Students

Graduating – 15 students - Approximately 75 credits

MDIV, MA

Quantity – Masters Level – Additional 23 FTE’s in a combination credits taken

Master of Divinity

MA(A) Pastoral Care and Counseling

MA (B) Ministry and Community Leadership

Quality – MDiv 2.5 GPA, MA 3.0 GPA

Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, International, Denomination

Yearly - 2016

Inquiries - 100

Applications 70

Completed applications 55

Acceptances 50

Confirmations 45

Enrolled- 40 Fall 30- Spring- 10 NJ Fall – 20/ Spring –6 ; NY Fall 5 – Spring 4

Yearly - 2017 - Projected

Inquiries - 200

Applications 120


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Acceptances 80

Confirmations 70

Enrolled- 60 Fall 40- Spring- 10 NJ Fall – 25/ Spring – 10; NY Fall 10 – Spring 5

Yearly -2018 Projected

Inquiries - 300

Applications 130


Acceptances 90

Confirmations 80


DMIN

Quantity – DMin – 15 per concentration

Tranformational Preaching (Spring 2017)

Pastoral Care and Counseling /Pastoral Theology

Urban Ministry (Fall 2017)

Total – 45 students

Quality – MDiv also varies by concentration

Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, Denomination

CERTIFICATE

Quantity – Certificate – 10 per Program

Theological Studies – NJ/NY

Gospel Music - NJ

Expository Preaching – NJ/NY

Ministry Studies - NJ

Youth and Young Adult- NJ

Total – 70 students

Quality – Certificate – H.S. Diploma

Mix - Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, Denomination, Location

9

Markets – where do our markets come from?

Website

Website is a major recruiting tool

Denominations

African Methodist Episcopal

Adventist

Baptist

Disciples of Christ

Lutheran

Non-denominational

Pentecostal

Presbyterian

Reformed

United Church of Christ

Ethnic specific associations within each denomination

Professions

Pastors/Ministers

Chaplains – military, hospitals, hospice

CPE programs

Professional associations

Social Workers – accepted in both programs – Rutgers, Hofstra, Fordham, Silverman (formerly

Hunter)

Teachers/ Christian Educators

Writers

Lawyers

Financial services

Law Enforcement

Schools-(on file)

Rutgers – Dept of religion

Pillar

St. Johns

Newark School of Theology

College of New Rochelle

Alliance: Nyack & Manhattan campuses

Drew Univ

Princeton Univ.

Catholic universities

Undergrad religion depts. – (We offer preaching classes)

10

Graduate religions depts.

Campus Ministries

Graduate

Undergrad

Churches

Area churches – churches served by our alumni

Data bases

Financial Aid application to NBTS

Publications – Positive Community

Social Media –

Blog Site – Btheos (faculty)

Facebook

LinkedIn

Media Campaigns

internet carriers

public relations

virtual fairs

Alumni /Development Dept.

Locations

Northern NY Albany

Long Island

(Creative scheduling allows for long commuters to study in concentrated manner. 76% travel 1

hr. or more to school)

Iowa

Michigan

NY Metropolitan Area

Global

Tri-State area

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Appendix A

Strategies for moving an Inquiry to Enrollment

1. Recruitment personnel completes follow-up with prospective student to the point of submission

of application using spreadsheets monitor applications;

2. Admissions Associate completes follow- up with prospective student to the point of submission

of completed application and tuition deposit using spreadsheets;

3. Registrar completes cycle with prospective students to the point of registration using Campus

Everywhere program

The numbers are monitored at each step in the process. Various school personnel participate in the

attempt to get students enrolled. NBTS anticipates the implementation of Blackbaud to assist in moving

an inquirer to an enrolled student.

Recruiting system

Website inquiry/Call

1. Email within 24 hours

2. phone call – with invitation – 48 hours

3. Letter with a p.s. to action – within 1 week

4. Electronic packet with materials – within 1 week – if no visit

5. Follow – up call or email - 2 weeks

6. Follow – up with appropriate caller

Monthly Information Sessions

1. Immediate email or letter– to thank you for coming within 24 – 48 hours

2. Call within 1 week from appropriate person – professor or student

3. Letter – 1 week later with dates

4. Follow- up- within 3-4 weeks

Campus Visit/walk in

1. Same as Information session

Table response

1. Same as website inquiry

Cold contact – (people who have not contacted us but we have reached out to them)

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Recruiting Goals - (D, W, M Q, Y) for inquiries, applications, completed applications, acceptances and

confirmations or deposits

Daily –

Inquiries - 5

Applications -3

Completed applications - 2

Acceptances -2

Confirmations-1

Enrolled-0

Weekly –

Inquiries - 4

Applications - 3

Completed applications- 2

Acceptances- 2

Confirmations- 1

Enrolled- 1

Monthly -

Inquiries - 17

Applications- 10

Completed applications- 8

Acceptances- 7

Confirmations- 6

Enrolled- 5

Quarterly -

Inquiries -50

Applications-30

Completed applications - 22

Acceptances - 20

Confirmations - 18

Enrolled-12

Yearly -

Inquiries - 200

Applications 120


Acceptances 80

Confirmations 70


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Activity Goals

(D, W, M, Q, Y) for emails, telephone calls, mailings, text messages, news releases, electronic

newsletters, events and others.

Daily –

1. Five substantive calls

2. Five emails

3. Two cold calls/mailings

Weekly –

1. One new outreach to a new market area (pastor, head chaplain, campus ministry personnel,

influencer)

2. Two relationship building contacts with an established market prospect

3. Two campus visits to NBTS

4. Follow up to all encounters, i.e. calls, emails, mailings, visits,

Monthly –

1. Two off campus events (e.g. church, conference)

2. One on campus event

3. Information Sessions in NY and NJ

Quarterly –

1. Six off campus events

2. 3 on campus events

Yearly –

Recruitment “Table Contents”

Books by faculty

General NBTS Brochures

Literature/ packets on DMin, MDiv and MA and Certificate Program or whatever is appropriate for audience

Sign up cards

Tall banner

Candy in glass or clear plastic cups or bowl

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Annual Recruitment Events

July –

August –

September – 1st district AME Pastor’s Retreat Idealist Fair Seminary and Theological School Virtual Fair ABC NJ Annual Session Collyde Summit Information Session October - Open House Korean Alumni meeting RCA Clergy Summit Star 99.1 Pastor’s Luncheon Rutgers Graduate & Professional Fair November- National Theological Education Week DeFree Conference How Shall They Hear Conference Information Session December – January – Information Session February - COGIC Regional Conferences – February to April RCA Care Committee – February to March Presbyterian Committee on Preparation for Ministry Information Session March - Pillar College Career Day NJ Annual Conference – Camden/Trenton Dist. WMCA Pastor’s Luncheon Rutgers Day Information Session Episcopal Conference April – Safe Harbor Conference Fatherhood Conference Open House May – Information Session June - Hampton Minister’s Conference Rutgers Day Information Session

Institutional Structures Committee

Purpose: The Institutional Structures Committee is responsible for Strategic

Planning. This is to be accomplished through the constant survey and

evaluation of the external and internal environment in order to identify

threats and opportunities to the institution based on the mission statement

and on an assessment of the Institution’s strengths and weaknesses. This

committee is to help the Institution define a vision, clarify its mission, and

establish a plan on which to base wise choices which serve that mission.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the Committee include the following:

1. To be keen and constant observers of those realities in the external

environment which are impacting or may impact, the Seminary and its

mission and programs.

2. To inform and engage the Board of Trustees concerning the Strategic

Planning process and to enlist the assistance of all Board members in

observing, discussing and assessing the external and internal

environment with possible implications for the Seminary.

3. To recommend to the Board of Trustees policies and processes which

are inclusive of all Seminary constituencies for strategic planning.

4. To monitor and coordinate Strategic Planning processes and reports

from the Seminary’s constituencies, i.e., Board of Trustees, faculty,

administration, etc.

5. To develop and recommend to the Board of Trustees a strategic plan,

which includes a clear and compelling vision and priorities that will

guide the work of the Seminary.


Purpose and Mission

Called by Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, New Brunswick

Theological Seminary participates in God’s own laboring to fulfill God’s reign on

earth.

Rooted in the Reformed tradition and centered in its trust of God’s sovereignty

and grace, the Seminary is an inter-cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith,

learning, and scholarship committed to its metro-urban and global contexts

Our mission is to educate persons and strengthen communities for

transformational, public ministries in church and society. We fulfill this mission

through creative, contextual, and critical engagement with texts, traditions, and

practices.

NBTS accomplishes this mission by:

providing graduate level degrees and certificate programs that prepare

students for ministry and leadership in diverse social and cultural settings.

nurturing, promoting and encouraging faith, learning and scholarship.

committing to metro urban ministry formation and long term collaboration

with global partners.

being an active resource and heart of the communities in which God has

placed us, providing a safe space and a center for community

collaboration.

living out our reformed roots in an inter-cultural and ecumenical learning

environment.

recognizing and supporting commonality, the benefits of mutual exchange

and support and appreciation of the individual.

identifying and ardently responding to the varied needs and gifts of

students in our seminary community.

establishing relationships with adult learners that are accepting, affirming

and recognizing that we can learn from each other.


Institutional Vision

New Brunswick Theological Seminary will become a seminary known for

producing effective leaders who put their faith into action, engage in theological

reflection, confront conflict in healthy ways, participate in holistic, innovative

ministry and continue to grow in their faith. Our successful metro urban program

will become a sought after experience for ministerial formation, both locally and

internationally, utilizing in-class and distance learning models.

Consequently, by 2022, we envision that NBTS will be:

increasingly accessible, locally and globally, through the judicious use of technology;

better equipped to be a global resource for the development of metro-urban ministry;

effectively connected programmatically to other graduate schools, especially Rutgers and St. John's Universities;

richly diverse through intentionally inviting and welcoming under-represented people into our community;

more affordable through a dramatic increase in scholarship aid;


Five Core Institutional Values

New Brunswick Theological Seminary is committed to being

Distinctively Christian:

We value the Bible as the authoritative witness to God's self-revelation and definitive guide for Christian faith and practice.

We value our roots in the Reformed tradition, centered in its trust of God’s sovereignty and grace, as an inter-cultural, ecumenical school of Christian faith, learning, and scholarship.

We value a theology of ministry requiring scholarship, critical discernment and intentional conversations as the basis for ministerial vocation guided by the principle of faith seeking understanding.

Decidedly Diverse:

We value the diversity of our students and faculty in terms of tradition, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and life experience.

We value ourselves as an anti-racist community of faith and learning and as a partner with those who endeavor to eliminate structures of oppression.

We value diverse partnerships and collaborative approaches to education.

Shaped by Our Context:

We value that we are shaped by the resources and challenges of the metro-urban church and its global context.

We value the community that exists on each of our campuses and the conversations that occur within and between the communities.

Attentive to God’s Call:

We value the particular call that God has placed individually on the lives of our students, faculty, staff and trustees, and the process whereby we discover and respond to that call.

We value preparing men and women for ministries that are prophetic, pastoral and transformational.

We value providing accessible theological education, especially to those for whom theological education would be otherwise unavailable.

We value the spiritual formation of the whole person in the image of God in Christ.

Ethically & Socially Responsible:

We value high ethical, legal, environmental and professional standards in the management of the resources entrusted to us. Within this context, the seminary shall invest in goods and services in a socially responsible, open, fair and transparent manner.

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