Emma Jordan-Simpson Receives Bill J. Leonard Distinguished Leadership Award
Winston-Salem, N.C. — May 17, 2025
Emma Jordan-Simpson, President of Auburn Theological Seminary and a nationally recognized faith leader and advocate for justice, was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Bill J. Leonard Distinguished Leadership Award during Wake Forest University School of Divinity’s 2025 Hooding & Commencement Ceremony.
The award, named in honor of founding dean Rev. Dr. Bill J. Leonard, celebrates transformative leadership in theological education, public ministry, and prophetic justice work. Jordan-Simpson’s lifelong commitment to community-building, spiritual formation, and equity reflects the values that shaped the School’s founding and continue to guide its mission.
Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson stands to receive the Bill J. Leonard Award during the 2025 Wake Forest University School of Divinity Hooding & Commencement Ceremony.
Jordan-Simpson, who is the first Black woman and non-Presbyterian to lead Auburn Seminary in its 200-year history, has held key leadership roles across the nonprofit, justice, and religious sectors. Her work includes serving as Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund–New York, the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR-USA), and Girls Inc. of NYC.
Experience the depth of Rev. Emma Jordan-Simpson’s impact through our special tribute video—featuring reflections from colleagues and leaders—premiered just before she received the 2025 Bill J. Leonard Distinguished Service Award.
The Bill J. Leonard Distinguished Service Award, named for the School of Divinity’s founding dean, honors individuals whose lives reflect a profound commitment to justice, reconciliation, and faithful public service. Past recipients have included transformative leaders across religious, academic, and civic life. The award affirms Wake Forest’s motto, Pro Humanitate—for humanity—and the Divinity School’s mission to educate agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in Christian ministry and public life.
Media Contact:
Dan Culpepper, Director of Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations
Wake Forest University, School of Divinity
culpepd@wfu.edu
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