Nazarene Theological Seminary

NTS Leadership Transitions:  New Registrar and Director of Admissions

Nazarene Theological Seminary President Dr. Ron Benefiel recently announced the retirement of Susan M. Middendorf, NTS Registrar, effective June 30, 2007.

Since her arrival at NTS in 1991, Middendorf has served as Associate Registrar (1991 – 1994) and as Registrar (1994 to present). In addition, for a period of 5 years she served as Director of Enrollment Services which also gave her oversight over the Admissions Office in addition to serving as Registrar. Prior to coming to NTS, Mrs. Middendorf served as Director of Admissions and Retention and New Student Institute at Southern Nazarene University for 4 years. Mrs. Middendorf is the wife of General Superintendent, Dr. Jesse Middendorf.

During her 16 year tenure, Middendorf has served the NTS community very well, specifically mentoring and advising 4+ cohorts of students throughout their degree programs. “Though we have appointed a new Registrar, replacing Susan Middendorf will not be easily done,” shared President Ron Benefiel. “Not only has she served capably in carrying out the detailed work required in the Registrar’s Office, she has also developed the well-deserved reputation of genuinely caring for our students, and providing good counsel to them—not only in their academic programs but also in their personal lives and their walk with the Lord. We owe a great deal of thanks to Susan for the service she has offered to the NTS community over these many years.”

In reflecting on her time at NTS, Middendorf shared the following: “It has been a privilege and honor to watch both younger and older students mature and grow here at NTS. Each time I am at a church or district event and see one of our current or past students, I feel a surge of pride that I would characterize as 'parental.' I can say without reservation that our students are well prepared to lead the Church on into the 21st century. Our church, both now and for years to come, is in good hands."

Middendorf’s successor will be Pamala Asher, current Academic Services Administrative Assistant in the Dean’s Office. Academic Dean Dr. Roger Hahn shared the following about Asher’s appointment, “Mrs. Asher served as an assistant to the Registrar during her student days at NTS. She earned the M. A. in Christian Education (1998) and has done further graduate work in higher education administration. This, together with her experience and expertise in the CAMS academic software package used by the Seminary, provide a strong foundation for the excellent service she will give NTS as the new Registrar.”

Secondly, another leadership transition is occurring at NTS, this in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment where Joshua Sweeden has served as Interim Director and then Director since March 2006. A 2007 NTS Graduate, Sweeden resigned last month in anticipation of making a move this summer (he and wife Nell Becker-Sweeden, also a member of the class of 2007, are awaiting word on acceptance into doctoral programs for the coming fall).

Commenting on Josh’s contributions to NTS in this important leadership role in Admissions, President Benefiel shared, “Josh accepted the assignment as interim director, assembled an excellent team, and has given outstanding leadership to the department over this past year. As we all expected, Josh has led the office both with dedication and creativity. We are deeply indebted to him for his service to NTS.”

As of May 7, 2007, Rev. Jay Sandbloom (a 2003 NTS graduate) will give leadership to the NTS Admissions Office. For the past four years he served as Worship Pastor for the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg, Michigan. “We are very pleased to welcome Jay back to the NTS community,” shared Benefiel. “He is both a dedicated Christian and capable leader. His life experience and NTS Master of Divinity Degree will be invaluable as he talks with prospective students about the significance and importance of attending Seminary.”