McCormick Seminary names David H. Crawford 11th president

Interim president appointed to two-year post

McCormick Theological Seminary News Release

David H. Crawford Photo provided

CHICAGO – McCormick Theological Seminary announced today that Interim President David H. Crawford has been asked to serve as its 11th president by its Board of Trustees.

“The Trustees are unanimous in their support to name David McCormick’s 11th president. He’s the right leader with the right skills at the right time as we lean into our future, and he has earned the full support of the McCormick community — faculty, staff, students, trustees and alums. We are delighted that he has agreed to continue his service at McCormick,” said Pete Cochrane, board chair. “David has spent much of the last 15 years in service to McCormick, and we are thrilled that after a year of great progress, he has agreed to serve for two more years, with an option for a third year.”

Last year, the board appointed Crawford to serve as interim president while a special discernment committee composed of Cochrane, former and current deans of the faculty and vice presidents of academic affairs Ted Hiebert and Steed Davidson, respectively, and trustees Connie Lindsey and Erica Liu convened a series of conversations with students, staff, faculty, alums and other key constituents to discuss the qualities and qualifications needed to lead McCormick. Together with the Executive Committee, they analyzed responses to the questions about what they sought in a new president. The qualities that came up again and again in conversation were transparency, sensitivity, vision and courage. Each group expressed its appreciation for the job Crawford has done over the years and enthusiasm about his vision for where McCormick is heading.

“I am so grateful and humbled by this opportunity to continue my service at McCormick. We have set a new course that honors McCormick’s rich tradition of innovation and projects our mission and programs outward into congregations and the communities we and our alums serve,” said Crawford. “In these extraordinary times, McCormick, perhaps more than any other institution in our great city, has an opportunity to bring communities together in faithful pursuit of justice, service and reconciliation.”

“David is the ideal choice to serve McCormick as its president as we grow and move forward,” former dean Ted Hiebert said. “I have known David for many years, and worked closely with him during my time as dean. He knows McCormick inside and out and as a former board member, chief business officer and interim president he has skillfully and thoughtfully led McCormick toward new programs and stronger financial stability. More importantly, as I have said before, McCormick’s mission is close to his heart. He has a broad vision for the seminary and a deep commitment to its future.”

Current dean Steed Davidson added, “David’s gentle, participatory, supportive and visionary leadership offers little surprise to those who have known and worked with him for a long time. That he brings these qualities to a theological seminary from a background in the practice of the law and after many years of work at the seminary may surprise others. We have marveled at the way he has in the past year filled the role of interim president, making the decision that much more imperative. As a faculty we are confident in David’s leadership as he facilitates the innovations that we will step into in the years to come.”

About McCormick Theological Seminary

A seminary in the city, McCormick is known around the world for its work in urban ministry and for its cross-cultural, ecumenical models of theological education. McCormick is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, adjacent to the University of Chicago. One of 12 schools related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and one of 11 members of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, McCormick is a progressive leader in the Reformed tradition. Accredited by both ATS and the Higher Learning Commission, it seeks a more just and compassionate world through rigorous academic study, practical experience, spiritual formation and an active, engaged community.