Wake Forest University School of Divinity Names John E. Senior Assistant Dean of Vocational Formation and Doctoral Education

John E. Senior has been named Assistant Dean of Vocational Formation and Doctoral Education at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. In this new role, Senior will provide dynamic and collaborative leadership in shaping the direction and expansion of the school’s vocational formation programs and newly launched Doctor of Ministry degree program.

“Dr. Senior’s appointment reflects the School of Divinity’s ongoing dedication to fostering innovative and holistic approaches to graduate theological education,” said Corey D. B. Walker, Dean and Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities. “We look forward to the continued growth and success of our vocational formation programs and newly launched Doctor of Ministry program with his leadership.”

Senior brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his Assistant Dean role. His research and teaching focus on pastoral formation for ministry, ministry leadership in ecclesial and public settings, and the role of theological education in preparing leaders for diverse institutional contexts. Senior’s contributions to the School of Divinity’s approach to assisting students with vocational discernment and formation support critical components of the Wake Div Experience, a signature design of student resources available to students during each stage of engagement with the school.

As Assistant Dean of Vocational Formation and Doctoral Education, Senior will oversee strategic academic planning, development, and execution of the Doctor of Ministry program, ensuring alignment with the School of Divinity’s mission, learning goals, and accreditation standards. He will also lead efforts in professional development programming, vocational discernment resources, and experiential learning opportunities for master’s and doctoral students. The role will work to ensure that students receive high-quality, experiential learning opportunities integrating theological reflection, spiritual formation, and professional development.

“I am deeply honored to take on this new role,” said Senior. “Since its inception, the School of Divinity has upheld a broad vision of theological education, recognizing the vital contribution of theologically trained leaders across both traditional and non-traditional ministry contexts.  I am excited to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students in furthering our commitment to excellence in exploring the many ways Christian ministry emerges in our contemporary world.”

A distinguished scholar and ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Senior holds degrees from Bowdoin College, Harvard Divinity School, and Emory University, where he received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies.