Category: News
Vice President of Academic Affairs Announced
Central Seminary is pleased to announce that Dr. Kathy Maxwell will begin service as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty on July 24, 2023.
In this role, Dr. Maxwell will serve as the seminary’s primary academic officer, providing vision and leadership in directing and overseeing the work of all faculty and academic activities that are consistent with Central Seminary’s mission, vision, unique value proposition, and all current and forthcoming strategic and culture plans.
For 18 years, Dr. Maxwell has been privileged to serve in Christian higher education, both in the classroom and as an administrator. She is currently Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. She also serves as Associate Dean of the School of Ministry’s Traditional Undergraduate Programs.
Dr. Maxwell earned her Ph.D. in New Testament from Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Her dissertation, Hearing Between the Lines, explores the audience’s active role in receiving and telling the story of Luke-Acts and was published in 2010 by T&T Clark. Her current research focuses on audience’s formation and participation in hearing the biblical story, both in ancient times and the modern world. She has particular interest in biblical storytelling and is certified through the Network of Biblical Storytellers. Dr. Maxwell is also a two-time graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas, where she earned a Master of Divinity degree from Logsdon School of Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministry.
Central’s commitment to empathetic service and leadership was a major factor in Dr. Maxwell’s decision to accept this new role. She notes, “I have worked to develop an empathetic leadership style, specifically valuing the art of listening, the questions driven by creativity and curiosity, and the hard work of seeking common ground. My interest in biblical storytelling has played a significant role in this regard. Through the process of internalizing scripture and the regular practice of placing myself in the “sandals” of biblical characters, I have become convinced that hospitality and reconciliation are at the core of the biblical story. Hospitality and reconciliation are impossible without cultivating empathy.”
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Maxwell to the Central community,” said President Pamela R. Durso. “Her educational background and vast teaching and leadership experience have prepared her well for this new role, and her collaborative and creative native are exactly what is needed for our next season of Central’s journey. I am grateful for her strong commitment to academic excellence and her warm and inclusive spirit and look forward to partnering with her in the work God has given us to do here at Central.”
Raised in Alaska and the daughter of a third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Maxwell grew up in a predominately white culture and has recently begun to explore her Japanese heritage. She brings to Central her unique lived experience and her excellence in teaching and administrative leadership. Along with her husband, Dr. Nathan Maxwell and two young sons, Dr. Maxwell will relocate to Kansas in mid-July.