Dean Yolanda Pierce appointed next dean of Divinity School at Vanderbilt

Dear Howard University Community,

It is with mixed emotions I share with you the news that Yolanda Pierce, PhD, dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, will be departing our beloved institution at the end of this semester. Effective July 1, Dean Pierce will officially be the next dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Divinity. 

Dr. Pierce has served as dean and professor of religion at our University since 2017, the first woman appointed to lead the School of Divinity. As dean, she has overseen the successful reaccreditation of the School of Divinity, increased the number of enrolled students, and expanded the school’s programs and initiatives. Under her direction, Howard launched a chaplaincy/clinical pastoral education program certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, and successfully transitioned the Doctor of Ministry program from residential to an online program. Dr. Pierce’s focus on securing funding to support enhanced student financial aid and program expansion has been instrumental to the growth of the School of Divinity individually and the University at-large.

Furthermore, Dr. Pierce has elevated her reputation as a community leader and trusted public intellectual through her social media presence and frequent public appearances on television and radio. Her written work can be found in a wide variety of publications, including Time, The Christian Century, Theology Today, Southern Literary Journal, and Christianity & Literature.

Dr. Pierce has written over 50 essays and articles in academic and trade journals discussing the relationship between religion, faith, race, and gender in the American context. She most recently published the books Until I Touch the Wounds: Blackness, Healing, and Longing for God’s Justice (2023) and In My Grandmother’s House: Black Women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit (2021). She has also served as the Chair and Public Commissioner of the Mayor’s Interfaith Council in Washington, D.C.

While seeking Dr. Pierce’s replacement, we will form a national search committee to identify the very best candidates to lead the School of Divinity into its bright future and build on Dr. Pierce’s foundational work. We will share more regarding the search as plans are finalized over the coming weeks.

Howard University has been blessed to have Dr. Pierce’s commitment to our community these past six years. Although we will certainly miss her, we should also be incredibly happy for Dr. Pierce and proud of her many achievements. I am certain Vanderbilt University and their School of Divinity will benefit from her guidance and visionary scholarship.

Please join me in congratulating Dean Pierce on this incredible career accomplishment.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

 

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA

Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery

President