A Letter to Friends of UTS

Tyler Hendricks
April 10, 2009

To our alumni and friends,

It is not true that UTS is closing or laying off its entire staff as has been rumored.

It is true that we are in the midst of responding the need to contain costs during this economic downturn. There will be organizational re-structuring and we are assessing options. While completely committed to continuing excellence in theological and ministerial education, with a special gift for interfaith, we are considering how to turn lemons into lemonade by increasing advantages to students and building capacity for the seminary’s future development.

UTS considers it valuable to strengthen several areas, including:

Access to internship and field education opportunities

Enhanced interaction with the ministries of the Family Church, in particular the new Lovin’ Life Ministries

Accelerated development of UTS’ vibrant ecumenical and interfaith student body and campus programs for ministry, social action and interfaith dialogue and activism

New programs to make UTS degrees more effective in leading to careers in ministry, chaplaincy and interfaith peace-building

Assisting students to procure financial resources for their Masters degree studies

Over the past few years, more and more UTS students have taken positions with local churches, NGOs, interfaith organizations, hospitals and the like in the New York City area. As we recruit new students around the world, we find many who are excited by the prospects of an urban location. We are considering the enhanced opportunities for professional career development that an urban campus would afford. At the same time, we are evaluating the options for the Barrytown campus as an Extension Site and conference center. Thousands of people value short stays in the Hudson Valley.

Our Trustees, faculty, administration are hard at work considering all aspects of a positive transition. Our goal is that the seminary will emerge from the current phase stronger and better equipped to serve God’s purposes in the world. Please check into our website (www.uts.edu) for current news and, yes, opportunities to support the costs of this transition -- in a very convenient way.

To all those who have reached out to me and to UTS, in particular over the past weeks, I thank you for your ongoing love and support.

In faith,

Tyler Hendricks
President