Terrence L. Johnson Named Candler’s Next Dean

May 7, 2026

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Dear Friends,

I’m thrilled to join Candler School of Theology as your dean and colleague. I have long admired Candler’s renowned faculty, impressive student body, noteworthy alumni, and collegial staff.

In my previous administrative and faculty roles, I have championed a governance model informed by consensus and community building, animated by deliberative engagement and an enduring commitment to expanding an institution’s scholarly, professional, and ministerial reach in and beyond the academy.

I am eager to build upon Candler’s profound strengths in theology, American religions, world Christianity, biblical studies, ethics, and ministerial studies, among other fields, while honoring the school’s Methodist heritage and ecumenical commitments. I join you with deep respect for the work already being done across the school, and I especially look forward to listening carefully to staff, students, and faculty as we discern together how we might pursue new institutional opportunities while addressing the challenges facing theology and religious studies in higher education.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Provost Badia Ahad for entrusting me with the responsibility of shepherding the Candler family and extend my sincere thanks to Interim President Leah Ward Sears; retired UMC Bishop William T. McAlilly 81T; chair Kimberly Jacob Arriola, dean of the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies and vice provost for graduate affairs; co-chair Ian McFarland, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Theology; and the entire search advisory committee for their leadership.

As we embark upon this journey in the weeks and months to come, I am reminded of the moral courage W.E.B. Du Bois offered to educators in the early 20th century: that we are to teach the next generation of clergy, scholars, and global leaders to lead with mercy, pursue justice, and protect the least of these.

“Give us grace, O God, to dare to do the deed which we well know cries to be done. Let us not hesitate because of ease, or the words of men’s mouths, or our own lives. Mighty causes are calling us—the freeing of women, the training of children, the putting down of hate and murder and poverty—all these and more. But they call with voices that mean work and sacrifices and death. Mercifully grant us, O God, the spirit of Esther, that we say: I will go unto the King and if I perish, I perish. Amen.” Prayers for Dark People (1980)

May God and the wisdom and faith of the “great cloud of witnesses” guide and protect us as we accompany each other in scholarship and service, support staff and student flourishing, and sharpen our commitment to Candler’s mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world.

In peace,
Kojo
Terrence L. “Kojo” Johnson, PhD

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Read the full story at the Emory News Center.

Photo courtesy of Harvard Divinity School