It is with warm regards that we wish Dr. Corey D.B. Walker success as he shifts from his role as Vice-President of Mission Integration and Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology (STVU) at Virginia Union University (VUU). We have agreed on a transition plan, which was to be released on Monday, for Dr. Walker to remain with STVU as a Professor and Scholar-In-Residence. He will continue to teach in the areas of religion and society. This new role will afford Dr. Walker the opportunity, as requested, to live his call according to his academic pursuits and aspirations. We are elated that he has agreed and will continue serving his alma mater.
As part of our plan for a seamless transition, VUU will announce the appointment of an Interim Dean in the coming week. Effective, January 1, 2019, we will begin a national search for a new STVU leader. The search committee will be co-chaired by Dr. Boykin Sanders, tenured Professor and chair of the STVU Faculty Committee and Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church and member of VUU Board of Trustees. VUU is excited about welcoming a new Dean who will continue to build on the strong legacy of STVU, wedding theory and practice, both locally and globally. We remain committed to preparing leaders to serve the black church and social justice-oriented communities and organizations.
We thank Dr. Walker for his strong leadership over two academic years. We look forward to the work of the Interim Dean and the appointment of a new Dean of STVU in 2019.