Dr. Rachel S. Baard joined the faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary in the Fall of 2019, having previously taught at Villanova University. As a South African whose theology was shaped by the theologies of resistance to apartheid, she has a particular interest in public theology.

Rachel's first book, Sexism and Sin-Talk: Feminist Conversations on the Human Condition, was published in 2019 by Westminster John Knox Press, and received the 2020 Andrew Murray / Desmond Tutu Book Prize in South Africa. She is currently working on an edited volume, The Political Theology of Paul Tillich, for Lexington Press. She is also the author of multiple articles and has given scholarly presentations around the United States and in South Africa on a variety of topics, including feminist theologies, Reformed confessions, Protestant perspectives on Mary, and the thought of Augustine through the lens of the African concept of ubuntu. Her current research focuses on the responses of the German theologians, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Paul Tillich, to Nazism, and in particular, their perspectives on Judaism. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
 

Dr. Chris Burton is a minister, teacher, writer, and professional speaker who works with various groups to bring together people who may be surprised by what they have in common.

Chris is the Director of the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary and the sole proprietor of an anti-racism consulting agency for churches and schools called Di Baddest Consulting. Born and educated in Brooklyn, Chris is a writer for himself and others. He is a proud Davidson alum, received his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary, as well as a Master of Science in Education from St. John's University. He serves as an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America and is a Social Justice Fellow for The Memorial Foundation.

Chris was named “an innovator in ministry you should know” by The Presbyterian Outlook. He co-hosts a podcast about race, culture, and soul care called CrossStreets. His preaching was featured on A Sermon For Every Sunday. His speaking was featured in Tedx, a speaking series that highlights human connection. His writing has been featured in The Presbyterian Outlook; Boomshots; The Hill; Unbound; The Sports Fan Journal; and The Christian Century. Chris writes about Jamaican culture, music, sports, living with Lupus, and his journey with God. You can find Chris' work at baddestchaplain.substack.com, and bring Chris to speak to your community through www.chrisburtonspeaks.com.

Dr. Josh Morris is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ and a Board-Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains.

Prior to accepting the call to join the UPSem faculty, Dr. Morris served in pediatric healthcare for 11 years. Most recently as the Assistant Director of Spiritual Services at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Previously, he served as a staff chaplain at Children’s Mercy as well as 5 years as the Pediatric Staff Chaplain at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center/Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Morris also brings fifteen years of experience as an army chaplain in the United States Army Reserve. In previous army chaplain assignments, he served at various echelons throughout the United States and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His previous teaching experiences include Visiting Professor of Chaplaincy Studies at Phillips Theological Seminary as well as adjunct professor of practical theology, spiritual care and counseling at Claremont School of Theology and Saint Paul School of Theology.

He is the author of Moral Injury Among Returning Veterans: From “Thank You for Your Service” to a Liberative Solidarity and numerous peer-reviewed articles in Pastoral Psychology; Journal of Pastoral Theology; and Reflective Practice. He speaks nationally and internationally on matters of moral injury, reintegration, and spiritual care.

Dr. Morris is passionate about cultivating ministers who embody compassion, integrate theory and practice, and harness a critical consciousness to boldly love God and love humanity.

Dr. Roman Soloviy is the Chairman of the Eastern European Institute of Theology in Lviv, Ukraine, and Langham Literature Regional Commissioning Editor for Eastern and Central Europe and Central Asia.

Roman has taught and researched various areas of theology, including continental philosophy of religion, postmodern theology, and theology of hospitality. He was formerly President of Lviv Theological Seminary (2004-2011), Director of Euro-Asian Accrediting Association Research and Resource Center (2011-2019), and Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at National Pedagogical Dragomanova University (2014-2021). From 2015 to the present, he serves as the Editor-in-chief of Theological Reflections: Eastern European Journal of Theology.

Roman is also a teaching pastor at the First Pentecostal Church in Lviv, where he lives with his wife. They have two grown children. As a Christian scholar, author, and pastor, Roman strives to educate and inspire a new generation of theologians and leaders equipped to answer the challenges of the Eastern European church and society.

Dr. Wojciech Sczcerba studied in Amsterdam (Theological Seminary) and Belgium (Heverlee at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit). In 2000 he completed his PhD in Patristics at the University of Wroclaw, Poland. In 2009 he defended his second PhD in Ancient philosophy at the same University. He became Academic Dean of Evangelical School of Theology in Wroclaw in 2002, and served in this position until he became the Rector/President in 2006. Wojciech Szczerba joined the Von Hügel Institute as a Research Associate in 2019. He is also the editor-in-chief of the periodical, Theologica Vratislaviensia.

Wojciech is the author of two books on universal salvation (apocatastasis) in Greek philosophy and early Christian thought, as well as numerous articles on anthropology, soteriology, the Protestant traditions, and ancient philosophy and theology. He is involved in various ecumenical initiatives and interreligious dialogue.
 

Dr. Dorothee Tripodi is a United Methodist Elder in full connection and is a member of the Virginia Conference.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts at San Diego State University, she received her Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.

After working on the staff, the board of trustees of Union Presbyterian Seminary appointed her to a full-time faculty position effective July 1, 2022, as an adjunct professor. Her position fulfills two critical functions at the seminary: directing Supervised Ministry and Vocational Planning, and serving as a faculty member in Supervised Ministry, with responsibilities in teaching and advising, and contributing to the general work of the Practical Theology and Christian Education department and faculty.