SMMS Academic Dean, Dr Rowanne Marie has been appointed new President with effect from 1 August 2019. Dr Marie replaces Rev Vido Nyobole who goes back into retirement after serving as Interim President since July 2018.

In a statement, SMMS Board Chairperson, Dr Phumla Mnganga said Dr Marie has a proven leadership track record.

“She was the first SMMS staff person to be appointed and has functioned in various strategic positions since then, including as Registrar and Acting President. As Academic Dean, Dr Marie has helped the institution navigate through the complex Higher Education regulatory framework, thus ensuring its continued registration and compliance. She is the architect and driver behind SMMS’ new Honours degree programme in Christian Leadership,” Dr Mnganga said.

She also described Dr Marie as a scholar of note, who will lead SMMS into the future.

“Dr is a highly respected scholar, researcher and writer who is passionate about gender justice and ministerial formation. She has published widely in internationally recognised peer reviewed journals. She is also an external examiner at a number of universities, including UKZN and Fort Hare,” she said.

In line with the current affirmation and recognition of women that has seen women being elected to top leadership positions in the MCSA, Dr Mnganga noted that Dr Marie becomes the first woman to be appointed President since the founding of the seminary in 2009.

Dr Mganga ended by expressing the Board’s gratitude to Dr Marie for accepting this demanding role and offered her Board’s full support to her and her team.

She said, “The Board thanks Dr Marie for availing herself to serve in this challenging position. We are delighted that a scholar and leader of Dr Marie’s calibre and experience will be leading SMMS into the future. We offer her our fullest support as she strives to ensure that SMMS continues to execute its mandate of forming transforming leaders for church and nation.”