The Rev. Erin Davenport Named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Continuing Education
Starting June 1, 2023, the Rev. Erin Davenport will serve as the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary vice president for strategic initiatives and continuing education. This is a new position and will include oversight of the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative, to be formally launched later this academic year.
Erin currently serves as the Seminary’s director of strategic initiatives and special projects, a position she has held since 2020. Prior to that role, she was the director of the Seminary’s Miller Summer Youth Institute from 2010 to 2020. Erin is also an alumna of PTS, graduating in 2005 with an M.Div./M.S.W. joint degree. She is an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) and currently serves on the executive committee of the Pittsburgh Presbytery.
About this new PTS Neighborhood Collaborative, Erin says: “Neighbors are so important. As we look to the future of theological education, I am excited to see how the Seminary continues to embrace the theology of neighbor through our incredible ministries and resources. I look forward to being part of this new chapter not only for PTS, but for theological education and the wider church.”
The PTS Neighborhood Collaborative brings together six Seminary programs to optimize institutional cooperation and flexibility within the Seminary and to maximize practical impact in neighborhoods locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The Neighborhood Collaborative includes the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry, Continuing Education, Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology, Metro-Urban Institute, Miller Summer Youth Institute, and World Mission Initiative. These outstanding programs and resources represent the Seminary’s commitment to support and envision a broad and diverse church of the future.
“As the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative begins this important work, I can think of no better person to lead it than Erin Davenport,” says President Asa Lee. “She brings to this position a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for helping the Seminary become more effective in extending theological education among new people and places. Erin is a thoughtful, reflective, and imaginative leader, and I am excited to see her proven dedication to excellence continue to lead this Seminary strategically into the future.”
In addition to her M.Div./M.S.W. joint degree from Pittsburgh Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, Erin has a bachelor of arts in Christian thought and religion from Grove City College. She has preached and taught in a variety of academic and congregational settings, and has published numerous essays and books through PTS. Erin currently serves as a facilitator for the Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry Risking Faithfully cohort. She is also a licensed social worker.