Messinger Family Endowed Professorship for Theology and Ethics

By John Everett



Salisbury, NC – The Board of Trustees and President at Hood Theological Seminary (HTS) were notified that Dyke Messinger, a board member and his wife Deborah H. Messinger have provided the Seminary with a donation of $500,000 to create the Messinger Family Endowed Professorship for Theology and Ethics. The endowed professorship will allow a professor whose focus and expertise is in theology and ethics, to go beyond the walls of the Seminary and share with the community through conversations and interactions in theology and ethics.

Mr. Messinger stated that he had the chance to hear Dr. Trevor Eppehimer, the Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at HTS, discuss Christian Theology at a church in the community. Mr. Messinger realized the impact that the faculty from the Seminary has on the community. Dr. Vergel Lattimore, President of HTS, who also frequents the surrounding communities in discussions and presentations, stated that this endowed professorship is a transformative gift for the Seminary and will have a lasting impact.

Hood Theological Seminary (HTS) is a graduate and professional school in Salisbury, NC, dedicated to preparing women and men for bold and creative leadership for the Christian Church for a diverse world. HTS is accredited through the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) for the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry degree programs. The Seminary is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church and is the only seminary in the United States sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. P