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About

CHANGING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

If you are ready to not only see a change but BE the change, leading the next generation to find their purpose and divine human potential, Payne Theological Seminary is the place to be!

Our mission to forge leaders for ministry in the African American tradition of liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the dignity of all humankind is carried out by our faculty who is dedicated to equipping you with knowledge and practical resources to achieve your goals beyond the classroom.

From start to finish, Payne Theological Seminary strives to connect to your calling by expanding your mind and spirit with biblical insight, igniting your heart with a passion for ministry, and preparing you with the practical skills to be an even greater force for good as you advance in leadership.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Institutional Commitment to Diversity
Founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Payne Theological Seminary is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse academic and spiritual environment. This commitment is grounded in our historic mission to prepare African American and other leaders for ministry rooted in liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the affirmation of the dignity of all humankind. Informed by our Africentric perspective, Payne Theological Seminary recognizes diversity as essential to theological education and ministerial formation. We affirm the sacred worth of every person and strive to reflect this in our institutional practices, pedagogy, and community engagement. Diversity at Payne encompasses, but is not
limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, age, ability, socioeconomic status, nationality, sexual orientation, and religious perspective.

Guiding Core Values
The Seminary’s commitment to diversity is undergirded by its core values:

*Excellence – We pursue the highest standards of academic and ministerial preparation through inclusive practices that reflect the fullness of God’s creation.
*Tolerance – We embrace difference with love, justice, and forgiveness, fostering a culture of openness and respect.
*Servant Leadership – We model leadership that uplifts, listens, and advocates for equity, shaped by humility and prophetic vision.
*Spiritual Formation, Growth, and Transformation – We cultivate an environment where all persons can grow in faith, self-understanding, and community through the recognition and celebration of diversity.

Institutional Practices
As a theological institution shaped by the historic struggle for freedom and justice, Payne Theological Seminary integrates its commitment to diversity into all areas of institutional life. This includes:
*Recruitment and retention practices that support a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
*Curricular offerings that engage diverse theological, cultural, and social perspectives.
*Community engagement and worship that reflect a wide range of experiences and expressions.
*Policies that uphold equity, accessibility, and mutual respect for all members of the Seminary community.

Conclusion
Diversity is not peripheral to Payne’s mission—it is central to our identity and vision for theological education. Through this commitment, the Seminary prepares students to engage faithfully and effectively with the theological, ethical, and societal challenges of an increasingly diverse world, both locally and globally.

Philosophy

Vision Statement

To be recognized as a global leader in distance theological education.

Mission Statement

To prepare leaders for ministry in the African-American tradition of liberation, reconciliation, social justice, and the dignity of all humankind.

Core Values

Our values guide all areas of the infrastructure, operations and academics of the institution.

Numbers


950+

Graduated Students

150+

Current Students

132

Years of History

8

Denominations Present

20+

Faculty

10+

Educational Partnerships

History


Institutional Effectiveness


Degree Retention Rate

Master of Divinity:

35.3%

Alumni Vocational Placement

96-100%

Degree Retention Rate

Doctor of Ministry:

78.6%

ONLINE DEGREES

100%

ONLINE DEGREES

100%

Leadership


Our Faculty

Learn more about our core faculty, associate faculty, and adjunct faculty.

Faculty

Our President

Learn more about our President, Michael Joseph Brown, Ph.D.

President

Our Staff

Learn more and access contact information for our staff.

Staff

Accreditation


Payne Theological Seminary is one of only two African Methodist Episcopal affiliated seminaries and the only historically
black seminary to offer fully online courses accredited by ATS.

Payne Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved:

 

Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Arts in Religious Leadership (MARL)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Upcoming ATS Comprehensive Evaluation Visit

Payne Theological Seminary is scheduled to receive a comprehensive evaluation visit from a committee of the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) from September 29 to October 2, 2025, as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation process.

The purpose of this visit is to assess Payne Theological Seminary’s compliance with the ATS Standards of Accreditation. As part of this process, we invite third-party comments concerning the institution’s qualifications for accreditation.

Comments must be submitted in writing and sent directly to the ATS Commission on Accrediting. All comments must be received no later than July 29, 2025 (two months prior to the visit).

Comments may be sent to:

Commission on Accrediting
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Email: accrediting@ats.edu

For more information about the ATS accreditation process, please visit www.ats.edu.

See Statement on Institutional Effectiveness

Payne Affiliations

Student Government Association
Alumni
Friends for Payne
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Anderson Ecumenical Institute

Assessment of Student Academic Achievement

Improving Student Learning

The Board of Trustees, faculty and staff affirm that student learning is at the core of our purpose as a seminary.

Educational Partnership

Payne has cultivated partnerships with esteemed academic institutions around the country and globally.

Online Learning

Online learning at Payne Theological Seminary offers alternative modes of instructional delivery for students.

Campus Safety

Payne’s Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Betty Holley. Dr. Holley can be contacted via email at bholley@payneseminary.edu, phone at 937-971-2860, or in person at 1230 Wilberforce Clifton Road, Wilberforce, OH 45429, Main Administration Building, Second Floor.

2024-25
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

2023-24
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

2022-23  
Annual Campus Safety and Security Report

Title IX

Payne Theological Seminary is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected group status as defined by law or Seminary policy in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act, and other applicable statutes.

Core Values

Excellence

The embodiment of, and the passion for, high standards and that level of achievement that surpasses the envisioned norm and the expected best desired results.

Tolerance

The unreserved acceptance of the universal concepts of love, justice and forgiveness that find expression in the capacity to be inclusive of and open to difference.

Servant Leadership

A responsible steward who serves with care, humility, strength of character and boldness as he/she articulates his/her vision and inspires and guides others toward embracing a higher ideal of the institution’s mission.

Spiritual Formation

An ongoing process of opening one’s self to God’s revelation within an environment that enhances the individual’s growth and transformation and helps one realize his/her divine and human potential.

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  • 1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road

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    Wilberforce, OH 45384
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