Sheldon
Named Chief Development Officer
The
Rev. R. Scott Sheldon, an accomplished church leader and a strong
advocate for the support of theological education, has been named
Hartford Seminary’s new Chief Development Officer, starting April 1.
President
Heidi Hadsell announced the appointment. Sheldon, who is a member of
the Steering Committee of the Development and Institutional Advancement Program of the Association
of Theological Schools (A.T.S.), replaces Ronald A. Lundeen. Lundeen
has returned to consulting work.
“I
am so pleased that Scott will join Hartford Seminary, providing a
seamless transition in Institutional Advancement,” Hadsell said.
“Ron moved us forward exponentially, bringing new friends and new
financial support to the Seminary. I thought that he would be
difficult to replace, but when Scott expressed interest in working at
the Seminary, I felt we were blessed. Scott brings an understanding of
congregations, a commitment to innovative education and a track record
in development.”
Sheldon
comes to the Seminary from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he
was director of development since 2000. At Princeton, he also was
program director for congregational life at the Center of Continuing
Education from 1997 to 2000.
“I
believe that Hartford Seminary is at the threshold of some new
opportunities in service and scholarship as a theological institution,
and that its reputation is growing. As chief development officer, I
will strive to make a compelling case for support on behalf of the
institution and its mission,” Sheldon said.
“I
look forward to becoming acquainted with the many people for whom
Hartford Seminary has shaped their faith journey,” Sheldon said.
“At the same time, I welcome opportunities to make Hartford Seminary
known to others who do not know about its mission, and to encourage
their interest, involvement, and support. Even as I am
being introduced to the Seminary, I will share my growing awareness
about its mission with others so that they come to value its work and
far-reaching impact in the world.” 
He
said that he is impressed, given the size of the faculty, “by the
extent of the Seminary’s degree and certificate programs, and of its
research capacity. Hartford Seminary is a unique center of
theological inquiry, a ‘learning lab’ for understanding and
respecting diverse practices of faith. In this post 9/11 time,
the Seminary’s curricular and research emphases are all the more
relevant and essential in the task of preparation for ministry.”
Sheldon
is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Prior to his time at Princeton Seminary, he was executive presbyter
and stated clerk for the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse, Syracuse, NY;
associate executive for the Presbytery of Long Island, Commack, NY;
and associate pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Northport, NY.
Sheldon also has a background and degree in architecture.
He
has a Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, Troy, NY, and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton
Seminary. Sheldon also earned a certificate in faith and Christian
discipleship at the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of
Churches and the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and a certificate
in church architecture at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
He
belongs to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in
Washington, D.C., and the Gift Planning Council of Central New Jersey.
Sheldon said that he decided to come to Hartford Seminary after careful
consideration. “I have enjoyed serving at Princeton
Theological Seminary for nearly a decade. I love the place and
the people, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with gifted
colleagues. Coming to terms with leaving my alma mater has not
been easy.”
“And
yet, I have held Hartford Seminary in high regard ever since I
participated in a Congregational Studies Institute in Hartford some
years ago. I came to know and appreciate the unique contribution
that Hartford Seminary makes as an institution related to the
Association of Theological Schools. Hartford Seminary’s mission
resonates with values that were instilled in me as a student at
Princeton Seminary and at the Ecumenical Institute of the World
Council of Churches, where Heidi Hadsell served as director some years
later. My decision to come to Hartford Seminary is based, in
part, on my anticipation of how the school’s mission will be
realized in new and exciting ways in the coming years. I feel
called to serve here at this critical time.”
“I
am excited to be coming to Hartford Seminary. I expect to work
closely with the president, trustees, and colleagues in planning and
setting priorities that lead to significant accomplishments by 2009 -
the Seminary’s 175th anniversary,” Sheldon said. This
important milestone in the Seminary’s life, while being a time to
reflect on the institution’s rich history and impact on church and
culture, will also provide an occasion to recommit to its mission with
clarity of purpose and direction. I expect Hartford Seminary to
become even more vital in its local, regional, and global impact,”
Sheldon said.
Sheldon
was a leader on two study tours of Israel attended by Princeton
alumni/ae and has
participated in mission seminars to Hungary, the Czech Republic and
Slovakia; Cuba and Puerto Rico; Haiti; Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and
South Africa; and Costa Rica and Nicaragua. He also attended
assemblies of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, Canada and
Canberra, Australia.
Some
of his leisurely pursuits include hiking, running, bicycling,
gardening and theater. “Back in college, I spent a summer on a bike
tour across the United States.” His architectural background has led
to interests in campus planning and new church development and
redevelopment Sheldon added, “I will admit to being a
longstanding fan of the Boston Red Sox. After this past year, I
can say that it was worth the wait!”
Lundeen
will continue to work for Northwest Development Counselor's, Inc.,
which he has owned since 1985. Formed in 1952, it is one of the oldest
faith-based fund raising companies in the upper Midwest and Western
United States.
He
praised the Seminary, saying, “Hartford Seminary is at the cutting
edge of theological education because of its inter-faith emphasis.
I've personally grown in my Christian faith because of what
I've learned from both Jews and Muslims here. For those who truly want
to make a difference through their giving, Hartford Seminary is the
best possible place to invest in the cause of religious
understanding."
"Leadership
is the key to creating a climate for giving.
The leaders at Hartford Seminary are enthusiastic about the
mission of the institution and they radiate an optimism for the
institution that is truly contagious,” Lundeen said.
He
also welcomed the appointment of Sheldon. "In the world of fund's
development for theological education in the United States today,
Scott Sheldon is considered by his peers as one the very best. Scott
is an optimist and person of profound faith.
I am truly honored to be passing the Institutional Advancement
baton to him,” Lundeen said.
During
Lundeen’s tenure as head of Institutional Advancement, the
Seminary’s Sustaining Fund has grown from $179,450 in 2001-2002 to
$251,400 in 2003-2004. It is on track to reach $300,000 this fiscal
year, which ends June 30. In addition, more than $1 million in gifts
has been received since July 1, 2003. And eight people have joined the
Mackenzie Heritage Society, as people who have included Hartford
Seminary in their estate plans, since June 2003.
