Terrence L. Johnson Appointed Dean of Emory’s Candler School of Theology

Terrence L. Johnson, currently serving as director of religion and public life and Charles G. Adams Professor of African American Religious Studies at Harvard Divinity School, has been appointed the next Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean of C Chandler School of Theology at Emory University. Johnson, an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, will begin his five-year term on August 1, 2026, following the conclusion of Dean Jonathan Strom’s tenure.

The appointment was announced by Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who emphasized the Candler community’s search for a leader capable of building upon the school’s strengths. These include a faculty known for scholarly excellence and commitment to students, a community marked by ecumenical openness, and a dedication to educating leaders for global church ministries. Ahad highlighted Dr. Johnson’s readiness to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and church leaders to advance Candler’s strategic goals while fostering interdisciplinary and denominational connections.

Ahad made the announcement on May 7, 2026, following a national search process. Interim President Leah Ward Sears noted that Candler remains central to Emory’s identity and mission, and praised Johnson as an outstanding choice to lead the school into the future.

Candler School of Theology, established in 1914, is one of 13 seminaries affiliated with The United Methodist Church (UMC) and one of seven graduate professional schools at Emory University. The school enrolls over 500 students, employs 40 full-time faculty, and offers five master’s degrees, a doctor of ministry, and nine dual-degree programs, many available in online and hybrid formats. In recent years, Candler has expanded its outreach through initiatives like The Candler Foundry and La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies, which provides a multilingual curriculum leading to a graduate certificate.

Retired UMC Bishop William T. McAlilly, a member of the Candler dean search advisory committee, noted that Johnson impressed the search committee with his ability to fulfill the academic, administrative, and philanthropic roles of a dean. As an ordained elder in the AME Church, Johnson brings a deep, lived experience of Methodism and an understanding of Candler’s strong ties to the UMC. His scholarly engagement with religion in public life and experience in building partnerships across faith traditions will further enrich Candler’s mission.

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