MTSO and Garrett-Evangelical announce collaboration

Dear Friends,

As the presidents of Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, we're pleased to announce we have entered into an exciting new relationship. Recently, each school's board of trustees unanimously agreed to a set of collaborative actions. Through this initiative, two strong, freestanding seminaries with a similar ethos and affiliation to the United Methodist Church will have the means to serve our students, the church and the world in innovative new ways.

Among our shared commitments is the use of educational technology in a way that enhances the experience of teaching and learning for each school and their greater communities. Working together, we will soon provide both schools' students and faculty the opportunity to interact with each other online. Furthermore, we will offer "Open Course" opportunities in which friends of the schools and the general public can engage in not-for-credit theological study at minimal cost.

In addition, the boards of Garrett-Evangelical and MTSO approved the formation of a joint task force to consider other structural and programming alliances between the two seminaries. The task force is expected to present a plan for further collaboration at each school's spring 2013 board meeting.

Located in Greater Columbus, MTSO was founded in 1958. It offers Master of Divinity, MA in Counseling Ministries, MA in Practical Theology, Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Garrett-Evangelical was formed via a merger of Garrett Theological Seminary and Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1974, following the 1968 merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University near Chicago, it offers Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theological Studies, Ph.D. and Doctor of Ministry degrees.

We will keep you up to date with significant new developments. For now, please accept our thanks for your faithful and ongoing support of theological education.

Philip A. Amerson
President
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Jay Rundell
President
Methodist Theological School in Ohio