CHICAGO, February 1, 2017 – Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) President Alice W. Hunt will embark on an 18-month sabbatical beginning January 1, 2017. During this time Dr. Hunt will continue her work around leadership for transforming the world for the flourishing of ALL God’s creation, seeking out and developing innovative methods of preparing students to be responsible and bold religious leaders for the next generation. The CTS Board of Trustees has appointed Life Trustee and former Board Chair, Don Clark, to serve as Acting President and General Counsel of CTS from January 1, 2017 through June 2018.
“I am privileged to have this sabbatical which will allow me the time and space to explore new and emerging trends in leadership development, theological education and social activism,” said Hunt. “I look forward to engaging with conversation partners to develop strategic and creative models for the future of leadership for transformation.”

A long-time member of the CTS community, Don Clark served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees between 2007 and 2013 and has served as General Counsel to the seminary since 2004. Clark has practiced law for over 35 years in Chicago. He also served as the General Counsel/Nationwide Special Counsel for The United Church of Christ for 15 years, working as the principal legal advisor to the General Minister and President, among numerous other officials and groups within the denomination. Clark’s dedication and generosity has been recognized by CTS, which awarded him a Doctor of Letters in 2014. Clark is a graduate of Williams College and the Rutgers University School of Law, where he has received its Distinguished Alumni Award and was recently inducted into “Rutgers Finest.”

“Year after year, Don continues to demonstrate his commitment to the students and community of Chicago Theological Seminary,” said Hunt. “The Board and I are confident in Don’s ability to lead during my sabbatical. Critical to the work he will do at CTS is his belief that the world needs CTS people.”

“I am humbled to be entrusted with serving as Acting President of such a bold institution as CTS,” said Clark. “I look forward to building upon the work and legacy of CTS.”

To contact Clark, you can email [email protected] or call the President’s Office at 773.896.2462.