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Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Delaware, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1956
Founded
Private
Type
70 acres
Campus
103
Total Students
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Jay Rundell, M.Div.

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Fostering social justice and spiritual leadership since 1960 in Central Ohio.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) stands as a beacon for theological education with a profound commitment to social justice. Founded with a visionary spirit in the mid-20th century, MTSO has cultivated a vibrant community dedicated to preparing leaders who not only understand scripture but actively work to make a positive impact on the world. With a close-knit student body of 103, MTSO offers an intimate learning environment where every voice is heard and encouraged.

From its very inception, MTSO embraced a forward-thinking perspective. Just years after its foundational plans were laid in 1958, the school opened its doors in 1960, quickly establishing a legacy of advocating for crucial social issues. During the transformative 1960s, MTSO's faculty and students were prominent in protesting racial discrimination, embodying its core values. This commitment to justice is woven into the fabric of the institution, reflecting a history of courage and conviction.

Academically, MTSO offers a robust theological education, further enriched by its unique collaboration with the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus, formed in 1973. This consortium provides students with expanded resources and diverse perspectives, enhancing their learning journey. The school has consistently championed diversity, celebrating its first African-American male graduate in 1963 and its first female graduate in 1964, demonstrating an early dedication to inclusive leadership development. Under the leadership of President Jay Rundell, MTSO continues to inspire and equip individuals to lead with integrity and compassion in a complex world.

Key Highlights

  • A private theological institution established in 1956, with first classes held on its 70-acre campus in 1960.
  • Cultivates a diverse and close-knit community with a student body of 103.
  • Renowned for its strong legacy of social justice advocacy, including protests against racial discrimination in the 1960s.
  • A founding member of the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus since 1973, expanding academic opportunities.
  • Demonstrated early commitment to diversity, graduating its first African-American male in 1963 and first female in 1964.
  • Successfully raised $4 million for its establishment in 1959, showcasing early community support.

Timeline

1958
Provisional Organization signed document laying groundwork for establishment.
1959
$4 million raised for the project.
1960
First classes met on the new campus; Rev. John W. Dickhaut named first president.
1963
First graduating class, which included one African-American male.
1964
First female graduated from MTSO.
1960s
Established a legacy of focus on social justice; faculty and students protested racial discrimination.
1973
Joined Trinity Lutheran Seminary and the Pontifical College Josephinum to form the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus.
1981
Rev. Buford A. Dickinson named successor to Dickhaut as president.
2006
Rev. Jay Rundell named fourth president of MTSO.
🏛️
70 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jay Rundell, M.Div.
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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