IWU Names Wesley Seminary President

(photo courtesy Indiana Wesleyan University)

Indiana Wesleyan University has named a new president for Wesley Seminary. Colleen Derr, who has served as assistant dean and an associate professor at Wesley Seminary, will begin her new role in July.

Derr has been with Wesley Seminary since 2011. She succeeds Interim President Jo Anne Lyon, who stepped into the role after the seminary’s first president, Wayne Schmidt, stepped down last year after being elected general superintendent of the North American General Conference of The Wesleyan Church.

"Dr. Derr has earned a reputation as an advocate and resource for an array of church ministries, an effective administrator and a wise and dynamic leader," said David Wright, president of Indiana Wesleyan University. "We are grateful that God has prepared Dr. Derr for this work and look forward to her leadership."

IWU says Derr is currently part of a team developing a Doctor of Ministry in Formation at the seminary, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2018. She also helped establish the seminary’s Master of Arts in Children, Youth and Family Ministry program.

"The team that envisioned Wesley Seminary gave birth to this beautiful place. Dr. Schmidt’s leadership propelled us from zero to 500," said Derr. "And I’m excited about playing a part in the future of the Seminary. I feel passionate about our role in kingdom building."

Derr herself earned a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership from IWU.