Evangelical Seminary Deans' Council Annual Meeting 2025

The ESDC Annual Meeting provides a forum for fellowship, networking, prayer, and mutual support among evangelical seminary academic deans. Members and invited guests gather each year in the Phoenix area, for what has become, for many "the most important meeting of the year."

Date: February 13-15, 2025

Pre-Conference Session: "Getting to Know the ESDC"

• February 13, 1:30-2:30pm
• First-time attendees, select this option when you register and plan your flights accordingly. This brief session will help you get the most out of the meeting.

Annual Meeting Schedule (detailed agenda):

• Begins February 13 at 2:45pm
• Ends February 15 at 11:45am

EXTENDED Registration Deadline: December 20, 2024

For more program details, go to the conference website here.

ESDC Statistics Report (members only)

Members are encouraged to participate in the ESDC Statistics Report! You can do so by submitting your data for the report through this online form. Note the following:

• The statistics report is an optional benefit for members. Only those who complete the form will receive a copy of the report.
• Online Form Link: https://forms.gle/AZbbvs6sHHDHaSkC9
• Questions about the statistics report or required data can be sent to david.hionides@denverseminary.edu or office@esdc.community.

Submission Deadline: January 1, 2025

Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU

7 East University Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (website)

• Room Rate: $299 USD (single/double)
• Ask for ESDC Rate
• Make reservations online.

Reservation Deadline: January 22, 2025

Speakers

Clint Arnold, Ph.D. | Talbot School of Theology

Dr. Clint Arnold will be our featured speaker and banquet presenter on the topic, "Lessons Learned from a Decade of Deanship". Arnold is Research Professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology and served as Dean of Talbot for 10 years (2012-2022). During that time, Clint provided oversight to several undergraduate Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries majors/minors as well as eight different graduate programs. He also led Talbot’s 2016 ATS self-study and site visit, hired and onboarded 20 new faculty members, oversaw numerous curricular revisions, and launched/developed many programs. Outside of Talbot, Clint served as the President of the Evangelical Theological Society in 2011 and continues to serve on the translation oversight committee for the English Standard Version (ESV). An active writer and editor in New Testament studies, Clint is the editor of the four-volume Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary for which he wrote commentaries on “Acts," "Ephesians” and “Colossians.” He is also the general editor of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament for which he has written the volume on “Ephesians.” He has also written numerous other books and recently completed the commentary on Colossians for the Word Biblical Commentary series. Arnold is married to his wife, Barbara, and they have three adult sons and three grandchildren.

Valerie Rempel, Ph.D. | Association of Theological Schools

Dr. Valerie Rempel will provide the annual accreditation update from ATS. Rempel serves as director of accreditation for ATS and is responsible for facilitating accrediting reviews, providing education and support to member schools about the process of accreditation, and providing staff support to the work of the Board of Commissioners of the ATS. Prior to accepting her role at ATS, Rempel most recently served as vice president and dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary at Fresno Pacific University. She joined the seminary faculty in 1996, was appointed dean in 2014, and became vice president in 2019. She also served as associate professor and J.B. Toews Chair of History and Theology. Rempel was elected to the ATS Board of Commissioners in 2020. She earned an M.A. from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary), and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

Freddy Cardoza, Ph.D. | Grace Theological Seminary

Dr. Freddy Cardoza will lead a workshop on how to effectively conduct new faculty searches. Cardoza is the Dean of the School of Ministry Studies at Grace College and Vice President of Grace Theological Seminary. Freddy oversees the faithful execution of the mission and vision for the School of Ministry Studies. He is committed to advancing the Kingdom of God by expanding the size, reach, and impact of the school, faculty, staff, and the dynamic programs they offer. Freddy also serves as Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership. In this capacity, he equips Christian leaders for ministry impact, and trains disciples to wield the Word of God and the power of God, for the glory of God. His most recent scholarship includes the primary textbook entitled Christian Education: A Guide to the Foundations of Ministry (2019, Baker Academic). Cardoza earned a Ph.D. in leadership from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Christian Education in Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Liberty University.

About the ESDC

The Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Council (ESDC) is a growing network of seminary deans who meet annually to support each other in their work of academic administration. Through speakers, workshops, prayer and dialogue on current issues, the ESDC provides a non-competitive environment of mutual trust and support. Chief Academic Officers, VPs of Academic Administration, Academic Deans and Associate Deans involved in academic administration are able to connect and build relationships with those serving in similar roles.

2024-2025 ESDC Members

• Beeson Divinity School
• Bethel Seminary
• Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary
• Central Baptist Theological Seminary
• CIU Seminary & School of Ministry
• Cornerstone Theological Seminary
• Covenant Theological Seminary*
• Criswell College
• Dallas Theological Seminary*
• Denver Seminary
• Erskine Theological Seminary
• Gateway Seminary
• Grace Theological Seminary*
• The Master’s Seminary
• Moody Theological Seminary
• Multnomah Biblical Seminary
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
• Phoenix Seminary
• Reformed Theological Seminary*
• Regent College
• Shepherds Theological Seminary
• Southern California Seminary
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Talbot School of Theology*
• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School*
• Wesley Seminary
• Western Seminary*
• Westminster Theological Seminary (PA)
• Westminster Seminary California
• Wheaton Graduate School

*Charter Members

Questions? Contact office@esdc.community.

Refund Policy: Refunds up to 30 days before event. Ticketstripe's processing fees are nonrefundable.