Bexley Seabury Seminary Names The Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee as New President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL — September 16, 2025 — The Bexley Seabury Seminary Board of Directors, with unanimous endorsement from its Executive Committee and Search Committee, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee, BS, MBA, MDiv, DMin, PhD, BCC, ACPE/NF as the next President of Bexley Seabury Seminary.
Mark, an Episcopal priest and U.S. Army Chaplain who has risen to the rank of Colonel, currently serves as Dean of the Graduate School at the U.S. Army Institute for Religious Leadership. In this position, he oversees four academic schools, three Clinical Pastoral Education centers, two family life centers, and all academic degrees and individual courses that serve over 200 students annually. In this role, he also was responsible for directing a $3 million budget and leads a team of faculty and staff across six locations nationwide. With over 20 years of experience in theological education, pastoral care, and organizational leadership, he brings both academic depth and pastoral presence to this new role.
A Leader with Strategic Vision
Described by the Search Committee as curious and conversational, administratively gifted, and deeply grounded, Mark has consistently exhibited the ability to hold institutions accountable while fostering authentic community.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated remarkable strategic insight into organizational capacity and growth. His leadership style has been affirmed by colleagues who affectionately call him “Chaplain” rather than “Colonel,” which is a direct reflection of his pastoral approach.
Academic and Professional Accomplishments
Mark holds multiple advanced degrees, including a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and a Doctor of Ministry from Erskine Theological Seminary, alongside an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and an MBA and BS from the University of Southern California. His scholarly work on posttraumatic growth, moral injury, and trauma-informed ministry is also published in both academic and pastoral contexts.
“Mark has earned a wide range of academic degrees, including two doctorates, but it is immediately clear that for him education serves ministry; we learn in order to get to know Jesus better, to love our neighbor better, and respond to the world’s cries better.”
- Jason Fout, Interim President, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology and Mission, Bexley Seabury Seminary
Guided by the Spirit
Throughout the selection process, the committee sought to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and are confident Mark will bring spiritual depth, learned maturity, and a steady presence to Bexley Seabury Seminary.
He brings not only ecclesiastical experience but also a rich spiritual presence. Known for his love of the Sacraments and his ability to hold space for prayer and discernment, "Mark exemplifies the kind of pastoral leadership that distinguishes a seminary president from a CEO," shared Rev. Anna Sutterisch, Board Member and Chair of the Search Committee.
Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee will begin onboarding immediately. His formal installation will coincide with commencement next Spring.
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About Bexley Seabury Seminary
Bexley Seabury aims to empower both lay and ordained leaders by fostering a culture of rigorous exploration and active engagement with the Gospel. Dedicated to providing innovative and accessible theological education, the seminary offers nonresidential programs grounded in the rich Anglican spiritual and intellectual tradition. Bexley Seabury is a nonresidential seminary with offices based in Chicago, Illinois, serving a nationwide community of students, faculty, and staff, and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
For more information about Bexley Seabury’s programs, please visit www.bexleyseabury.edu.
For more information:
Vicki Bohlsen
(317) 513-8039
vbohlsen@bohlsengroup.com
