New Beginnings Update

Dear Ones –

Earlier this summer, I wrote to you in excitement about the reopening plan for Starr King. The plan was to return to in-person classes at the start of our fall semester – today, September 7. With the increase of COVID cases, particularly the spread of the Delta variant, we have made the decision to remain online through January Intersession.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and send updates as decisions are made. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Although we still won’t be gathering for classes, some of our staff have begun the tedious task of unpacking boxes and working out of their new offices in the Vera Long Building.

Over the past few months, we’ve had to say goodbye to two beloved faculty members. However, we’ve also welcomed new faculty and staff.

Saying Goodbye

Rev. Chris Fry retired at the close of the last academic year. She is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and 1996 Starr King graduate. She joined our faculty in 2004 and taught classes on “Illness, Health & Healing,” “Families & Spiritual Practice,” “Forgiveness and Moral Repair,” and “Spiritual Practices in These Times.”

Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt has accepted an interim position as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the Theological School at Drew University in Madison, NJ beginning in September 2021. Also a UU minister and Starr King graduate (2003), Sofia has also served on the Board of Trustees at Starr King. She has been teaching at SKSM since 2006 with classes including Womanist Theoethics, Preaching in a Cross Cultural Context, and more.

We’re eternally grateful for their dedication to Starr King and to their students and colleagues.

Saying Hello

Rev. Pamela Hancock has joined our faculty as Assistant Professor of Spiritual Practice & Care for the Soul, as well as Chaplaincy Program Director. She is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Priestess of the Sisters of Moon and Snow Coven, and holds an MDiv from Starr King (2015).

Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson has also joined our faculty this year. He is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister recently installed at the Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, a 2018 Starr King grad, speaker, writer, poet, producer, soldier, teacher, mentor and Elder.

Jacob Carroll has joined our staff as the Annual Giving Coordinator. Jacob is based in New York, NY and will be working closely with Jessica Cloud (VP of Advancement) and our donors to hit our increased fundraising goals.

We hope you’ll join us in wishing our students, faculty, and staff blessings for a good year!

Faithfully,

Rosemary

The Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, President
Starr King School for the Ministry, Oakland, CA