David Emmanuel Goatley has been named the sixth president of Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. When he takes office in January, he will be the first African American to hold the position.
“I rejoice that the Lord has called me to join this community of theological education and vocational formation at Fuller Seminary. It is a distinct honor to be part of this family and to succeed distinguished predecessors in service as the sixth president,” Dr. Goatley said. “Innovation and imagination are no strangers at Fuller, and I am thrilled to follow the Spirit’s lead into a new era of teaching, learning, and serving the church and the world.”
Fuller Seminary enrolls nearly 3,000 students in master’s and doctoral degree programs. African Americans make up 10 percent of the student body.
Dr. Goatley currently serves as the associate dean for academic and vocational formation, the Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. Research Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry, and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He previously taught at the Memphis Theological Seminary in Tennessee and the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
Dr. Goatley holds a bachelor’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Louisville. He earned a master of divinity degree in pastoral care and a Ph.D. in theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.
What an exemplary example of “giving All the Glory to God” within this brilliant educator’s fine remarks, quote, “…thrilled to follow the Spirit’s lead into a new era of teaching, learning, and serving the church and the world.”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Congratulations, Dr. Goatley.