“I am deeply humbled and honored to serve as the 18th President of Payne Theological Seminary at such a pivotal moment in its history. As we honor the legacy upon which Payne was built, we are looking boldly toward the future—committed not merely to surviving, but to striving, growing, innovating, and preparing transformative leaders to serve the Church and the world. This is Payne’s moment to remember who we are while courageously becoming what God is calling us to be.” -Rev. Holley, Ph.D., President, Payne Theological Seminary
THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYNE’S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
The inauguration of Rev. Betty Whitted Holley, Ph.D., represents both a celebration of Payne Theological Seminary’s historic legacy and a declaration of its future. It marks a pivotal moment in the life of the institution as Payne honors generations of faithful leadership while embracing a renewed vision for theological education, innovation, partnership, and service to the Church and the world.
For Dr. Holley, this moment represents more than the formal inauguration into the presidency. It is the affirmation of a sacred calling to steward an institution she has served and loved for many years. Standing upon the foundation laid by generations before her, she accepts the responsibility of leading Payne into its next chapter with faith, courage, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to preparing transformative leaders.
Ultimately, the inauguration is not simply the celebration of a new president. It is a defining moment for an entire institution—a moment to remember the journey, reaffirm the mission, and boldly declare that Payne Theological Seminary is prepared to move forward, not merely to survive, but to strive.
Event Information
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 | 6:00 P.M. EST
PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
1230 WILBERFORCE CLIFTON ROAD
WILBERFORCE, OHIO 45384
RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING: All are invited to join us for fellowship and light refreshments.
NATIONAL AFRO-AMERICAN MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER
1350 BRUSH ROW ROAD
WILBERFORCE, OHIO 45384
About President Rev. Betty Whitted Holley, Ph.D.
Rev. Betty Whitted Holley, Ph.D. serves as the 18th President of Payne Theological Seminary, bringing to the presidency a distinguished record of scholarship, ministry, education, and institutional leadership. Her appointment represents a significant chapter in a longstanding relationship with Payne—one that has evolved from student and alumna to professor, Dean of Academics, Interim President, and ultimately 18th President.
A dedicated scholar and educator, Rev. Holley holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bennett College, a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her academic and scholarly work reflects an enduring commitment to theological education, environmental ethics, African American religious studies, ecological theology, and the intersection of faith, justice, and stewardship of creation.
Rev. Holley began her professional career in public education, serving students in both Ohio and North Carolina before expanding her work into higher education. Her teaching experience has included appointments at Wilberforce University, Wright State University, Clark State Community College, and Payne Theological Seminary. Throughout her tenure at Payne, she has held significant academic and administrative leadership roles, including Academic Dean, Director of the Master of Divinity Degree Program, Director of the ATEP program, and Professor of Ecological Theology.
Her vocation also extends deeply into the life and ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Holley has served as a Presiding Elder within the Third Episcopal District, providing spiritual and administrative leadership to congregations and communities. Her professional and scholarly experiences have further included work as a research scientist with Project SWOOPE (Students Watching Over Our Planet Earth) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, reflecting the breadth of her commitment to education, scholarship, faith, and environmental stewardship.
As President, Rev. Holley brings to Payne a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as an alumna, educator, scholar, clergy leader, and administrator. Her leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the Seminary’s heritage and mission while looking toward its continued growth and service to the Church, the academy, and communities around the world.
The inauguration of Rev. Betty Whitted Holley, Ph.D. as the 18th President of Payne Theological Seminary celebrates both the institution’s enduring legacy and the beginning of a new chapter in its history—one centered on the 2026 Presidential Inauguration theme: Honoring the Legacy. Embracing the Call. Building Payne’s Future.
Additional Information / Contact
inauguration@payneseminary.edu
MEDIA CONTACT
Dr. Kathleen M. Wright
Phone: +1-937-971-2581
Email: communications@payneseminary.edu
Address: 1230 Wilberforce Clifton Road, Wilberforce, OH 45384