The latest news from LTS!
The Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) is delighted to welcome Hugh Williams into his new role as Director of Advancement for the STU. Hugh has served as the Director of Donor Relations at Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon (LTS) in 2017, and as LTS’s Director of Communications and Development from 2020 – 2024.
From Hugh
“I am honored to accept the responsibility and opportunity to be the STU’s first Director of Advancement, a senior leadership role that will direct the STU’s fundraising and public engagement efforts. This feels like a natural progression from the collaborative communications work I have already been engaging in with my STU colleagues. I am also excited to bring the same relational, donor-centered approach—which has proven so successful at LTS—to my fundraising work with the St. Andrew’s and Emmanuel & St. Chad communities. I will of course continue to serve the LTS community in the same capacity as before.
To me, the STU represents the aspiration of unity in diversity. This spirit of collaboration is not only foundational to what the STU already is, and hopes to become, but it is also essential in shaping leaders who will serve a global and interconnected church. I look forward to partnering with our generous supporters, alumni, and friends—as well as the gifted staff and faculty here in the STU—as we embark on this transformational journey together.”
President Harrison is delighted to announce that Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein, the William Hordern Professor of Theology, has been granted tenure effective January 1, 2025 in recognition of her significant contributions to the teaching and institutional life of LTS. Dr. Driedger Hesslein joined the faculty in 2020 as a full-time professor, having previously served as a sessional instructor since 2015. She is the first person of Japanese descent to be granted tenure in the field of theology in Canada, and the second woman to hold a professorship in systematic theology at an ELCIC seminary. More information about Dr. Driedger Hesslein can be found here.
“I am grateful to God, the tenure committee, President Harrison, and the LTS Board for this continued affirmation of my call to teach and form leaders for the church. I look forward with joy and excitement to continuing to serve the LTS community in our shared ministry,” says Dr. Driedger Hesslein.
Professor Driedger Hesslein testing the setup of her digital classroom.
Professor Driedger Hesslein giving a presentation titled "Relinquishing Hope At/In the End" at the Canadian Theological Society Annual Meeting in June 2024.
The three partner colleges of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) are seeking a highly motivated recruitment and social media expert to become our first Recruitment & Advancement Ambassador (R&AA). The R&AA will focus on attracting prospective students, fostering engagement with our alumni communities, and promoting our mission and programs through strategic use of social media and recruitment initiatives. Preference will be given to a successful candidate who can be on site; and consideration is possible for hybrid, but not remote.
The ideal candidate will possess Bachelor’s degree qualifications in a relevant field.
For further details on specific responsibilities, desired qualifications, hours of work, and compensation, please see the attached document:
All inquiries and applications should be sent to Hugh Williams, STU Advancement Director:
Please note: the deadline for applications is March 7, 2025.
The Common Faculty of the Saskatoon Theological Union recently voted to appoint The Rev. Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Grace Professor of Leadership at LTS, as the new Common Faculty Chair.
The Chair is responsible for overseeing the regular meeting of the Common Faculty and encouraging open and transparent communication among the three schools as they work together and maintain their distinctiveness. The Chair works directly with the STU Academic Dean to ensure that the common degree programs are delivered with excellence.
The current STU Academic Dean, Dr. Lynn Caldwell, noted, “Dr. KSG has strong experience in faculty leadership and collegial governance, a wonderful sense of and commitment to the STU community and its programs, and I look forward to his work in this role.”
Dr. Schiefelbein-Guerrero responded to this appointment by stating, “I am honoured that my faculty colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility, in which I can put into practice the work I am doing on leadership to benefit our students and the Church.”
The University of Saskatchewan has initiated a process to have the former buildings of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at 114 Seminary Crescent removed from the property. The process will take months, beginning with removal of hazardous materials and considering proposals for demolition.
In the four years since the Lutheran Theological Seminary moved from 114 Seminary Crescent to its current location at St. Andrew’s College building, the University of Saskatchewan was unable to find suitable options for alternate use of the buildings or a commitment from long-term tenants.
We cherish the many fond memories of the building and acknowledge that it has been an important place of formation in many people’s lives. LTS remains deeply committed to ensuring that our current students have formative experiences and that we continue to live out our mission and vision.
The greatest witness of God’s work within the building has always been the work of God’s people outside of the building, among communities across Canada and beyond. We are grateful for the ministry fostered at 114 Seminary and for the new opportunities to which God is calling LTS.
Rev. David Hunter,
Chair of the Board of Governors, LTS