Steven Cole named interim executive dean of Ashland Theological Seminary

ASHLAND, Ohio – Rev. Steven Cole, D.Min., assistant dean of Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS), has been named interim executive dean of the Seminary, succeeding Rev. Yvonne Glass, Ph.D, who has resigned from her deanship.

Glass served as executive dean of the Seminary since 2023 and previously as the director of the counseling program. Her work included stewarding the establishment of the Doctor of Ministry in Rural and Small Towns, building relationships with Ohio’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health boards and strengthening partnerships with church networks and faith-based organizations.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve Ashland Theological Seminary and Ashland University,” said Glass. “The last eight years have enriched me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and relationally. I thank the faculty and staff of the seminary for allowing me to serve alongside them, and to follow as I led the Seminary over the last three years. ATS is indeed a special place. I knew that when I joined and I believe it today.”

Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary, expressed his appreciation for Glass. “Yvonne has served the Seminary with dedication and a clear commitment to our mission, faculty and students as a professor and dean,” said Peede. “We are ever grateful for her Christian leadership.”

As interim executive dean, Cole will help ATS strengthen its identity as a Seminary rooted in the Brethren tradition, with a distinctive emphasis on the continuing relevance of this living heritage. “As a Brethren minister well versed in Anabaptist traditions, Steven understands the Seminary and its people and calling. He will help build upon ATS’s historic strengths while also exploring how the Seminary can expand our reach in the midst of a secular culture.”

“The Seminary has a strong foundation and a vital future,” Cole affirmed. “I look forward to working with my exceptional colleagues, students, alumni, churches and counseling centers as we build on that foundation and share the Gospel.”

Cole became assistant dean of ATS in January 2025. He previously served as executive director of The Brethren Church (2015-2024). He spent nearly two decades in pastoral ministry, notably as senior pastor at Northgate Community Church (2007-2015) and associate pastor at New Community Church (1999-2007). He holds a Doctor of Ministry in transformational leadership from Ashland Theological Seminary, a master's degree from Bethel University and a bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist University. He also previously served as a Board Trustee and Board Secretary for Ashland University.

Founded from Ashland University’s historic commitment to ministry, Ashland Theological Seminary traces its beginnings to 1906 and today remains a graduate division of Ashland University. Its mission centers on preparing modern-day disciples to serve as leaders and counselors in ministry and professional settings, equipping students in “mind, deed and heart” while bringing together individuals from diverse Christian traditions around their shared commitment to Christ.