United Theological Seminary President Molly T. Marshall to retire in 2027

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities on June 30, 2027, after six years leading the school through stronger finances, record fundraising and enrollment gains. The seminary says her tenure helped stabilize United and position it for long-term sustainability.

Why it matters: - Marshall’s retirement closes a six-year period that United says reshaped the seminary’s finances, fundraising and enrollment. - The leadership change comes as United enters its 65th academic year and prepares for a new phase of growth and sustainability. - The seminary’s gains stand out in a sector where many theological schools have faced flat or declining enrollment.

What happened: - Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire on June 30, 2027, after completing United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities’ 65th academic year. - Marshall became interim president in March 2021 after a search committee vetting process and a unanimous Board of Trustees vote. - Her role became permanent less than a year later, making her United’s 10th president. - United said Marshall secured the seminary’s financial standing and advanced long-term sustainability goals.

The details: - Marshall has worked in theological education for more than 40 years. - She was the first woman appointed to the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. - Marshall later served as president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary from 2004 to 2020, where she stabilized and revitalized the school. - At United, she focused early on relationships with alumni, donors and faculty. - United added the Johnson-Fry Chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies in 2021. - The Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies followed in 2024. - The Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts was established in 2025. - The seminary also grew endowed scholarships during Marshall’s tenure. - Degree-seeking enrollment rose 57% between fall 2020 and fall 2025. - United enrolled its largest incoming class of degree-seeking students in fall 2025. - The Association of Theological Schools named United in 2023 as one of 18 ATS-accredited seminaries with steady year-over-year growth over five years. - United completed a Five-Year Strategic Plan in 2026.

Between the lines: - Marshall’s tenure appears to have blended fundraising, academic vision and institutional stabilization into a single turnaround story. - United has leaned into progressive theological education, interreligious engagement, social transformation and public theology as core differentiators. - The growth in chairs, scholarships and enrollment suggests donor support and student demand moved together, not separately.

What’s next: - United plans to honor Marshall over the coming year before her retirement in June 2027. - The seminary enters its next academic cycle with stronger finances, a larger student body and a completed strategic plan. - United says it remains focused on preparing leaders for churches, faith communities and society committed to justice and peace.

The bottom line: - Marshall leaves United in a stronger position than when she arrived, with measurable gains in funding, enrollment and institutional stability.