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Derek Woodard-Lehman named director of Miller Summer Youth Institute

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has named Dr. Derek Alan Woodard-Lehman as the next director of the Miller Summer Youth Institute. Dr. Woodard-Lehman has served the Seminary as lecturer in theology and ethics since 2019. He transitions into this role from serving as the Seminary’s advancement coordinator.

Since 1997, The Rev. Dr. Roy F. Miller and Mrs. Florence Lantz Miller Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has helped young adults and undergraduate learners engage the questions: “Who is God calling me to be? What is God calling me to do in the world?” SYI provides opportunities for young adults and those transitioning from college to early career to practice intensive theological reflection and deep vocational discernment through participation in living-learning communities.

Dr. Woodard-Lehman brings an array of formational, ministerial, administrative, and academic knowledge to this directorship. He specializes in designing and leading learning experiences in areas of public theology and ethics. Dr. Woodard-Lehman holds degrees in religion and society (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary), theology, ethics, and politics (M.Div., Duke Divinity School), higher education and pedagogy (M.A., Geneva College), and philosophy and English literature (B.A., Messiah College).

Dr. Woodard-Lehman demonstrates a commitment to actively conduct ongoing research in public theology and Christian social ethics, publishing articles in journals such as Modern Theology, Pro Ecclesia, Journal of Religious Ethics, and Journal of Reformed Theology, contributing to edited volumes including The T&T Clark Companion to Political Theology, The Oxford Handbook of Karl Barth, and Scripture, Tradition, and Reason in Christian Ethics: Normative Dimensions, and convening numerous panels on topics concerning Christian ethics at meetings of the American Academy of Religion and other professional organizations. In addition to his academic involvements, Dr. Woodard-Lehman’s commitment to the Church is expressed through frequent teaching at Pittsburgh-area churches. He has student ministry experience as director of community life (Messiah College), coordinator of outreach and evangelism (Eastminster Presbyterian Church), and founder and director of Peniel community service-learning initiative (Harrisburg, Pa.). In each of these roles, he has been a teacher and mentor who has guided learners in discerning their vocation at the intersection of classroom, congregation, and community.

“I’m very excited to add Derek to our team as the next SYI director,” says the Rev. William Baker IV, vice president for strategic engagement and continuing education. “His unique, multifaceted experience blends lived ministry experience, sharp academic awareness, and keen administrative competence—all of which will be vital in this role. The passion he has for embodying Christian ethics will bring a wonderful energy to the program, and his genuine care for the formation of young people will make SYI a rich experience for all those who participate. I believe he is well positioned to lead young people in fruitful reflection at PTS.”

”I discovered my own vocation in my early college years through experiential learning experiences that brought learning to life in the real world. By engaging congregations and communities off campus, I came to see how God was at work in the world, and how my own passion for social justice could become a part of that work. I remain grateful to my teachers and mentors who made those experiences possible. And I am thrilled to be able to lead SYI as it continues to provide programming that fosters these same sorts of transformative experiences for young people.”

Dr. Derek Woodard-Lehman