LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL
SOUTHERN SEMINARY

4201 N. Main Stree, Columbia, SC 29203-5898

September 29, 2003

FOR RELEASE: CONTACT:
Cristy Huntley
Director of Church and Public Relations
803-461-3256

Dr. Marty E. Stevens to begin Eastern Cluster work in continuing education

COLUMBIA, SC (September 29, 2003) - On October 1, The Rev. Dr. Marty E. Stevens will assume responsibilities as Coordinator of Continuing Education for the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries and Director of Continuing Education for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Stevens has served the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America extensively in a variety of roles.

After graduating with a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Dr. Stevens served as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, where she reinvigorated educational programming through recruiting and training lay people in leadership and teaching skills. She was involved in youth ministry locally and synodically and spearheaded the renovation of transitional housing for persons who were homeless.

Returning to the academic world, Dr. Stevens earned a Ph.D. in Biblical studies from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in 2002. She taught classes there in biblical languages and Old Testament and also served as Assistant to the Dean of Theology Faculty for Graduate Studies.

Dr. Stevens is delighted to be returning to Southern Seminary, where her office will be located, and to serving the Eastern Cluster. She considers her new position to be a wonderful opportunity "to provide leadership in the area of ongoing theological education for rostered leaders and lay folk."