Following an extensive national search, Christian Theological Seminary has named Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty effective July 1, 2023. Dr. Lozada joins CTS from Brite Divinity School where he most recently served as the Charles Fischer Catholic Professor of New Testament and Latinx Studies and the Director of the Borderlands Institute and Latinx Studies Program.
“It is an honor to welcome such an accomplished scholar and highly esteemed leader to our team during this exciting time in our history,” shares CTS President Dr. David M. Mellott. “Dr. Lozada brings a wealth of experience in theological education, New Testament studies, Latinx studies, and seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. His life and career embody CTS’ values, and his commitment to centering marginalized communities will further expand accessibility to the degree programs and resources we offer as we grow to meet the world’s need for transformative leaders.”
Dr. Lozada brings extensive leadership experience to his new role. During his time at Brite, he has been a leading voice in addressing hermeneutical and theological implications regarding how the Bible is employed and deployed in ethnic/racial communities. He serves on the board of the Hispanic Summer Program, guiding its efforts to shape the next generation of Latinx theological and ecclesial leaders, advises the board of Pathways Theological Education, an online program affiliated with the United Church of Christ, and serves as a member of the CPE Professional Advisory Group at Baylor Scott and White Health All Saints in Fort Worth, TX. He has also served extensively in leadership roles for the Society of Biblical Literature.
“Joining Christian Theological Seminary is exciting,” says Dr. Lozada. “It is an honor and privilege to join this esteemed theological school and to serve its faculty, staff, and students and the broader community. I look forward to working with the leadership team and the Board to promote academic and theological excellence and enhance student learning, and I am delighted to work with President Mellott in advancing the values and mission of CTS. I am honored to have been chosen for this new role and look forward to working with all my colleagues to make a difference in the world today.”
Lozada’s leadership, scholarship, and teaching focuses on hermeneutical and justice issues. Past courses he has taught include White Supremacy and Immigration, Historiography and Christian Nationalism, New Testament Interpretation, and Borderlands Travel Seminars. He is the author of Toward a Latino/a Biblical Interpretation and co-editor with Fernando Segovia of Latino/a Theology and the Bible: Ethnic-Racial Reflections on Interpretation. Currently, he serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biblical Literature and Catholic Bible Quarterly.
Dr. Lozada holds a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Vanderbilt University, a MTS from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a BA in Religious Studies from John Carroll University. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Puerto Rican parents and is Catholic with a commitment to strong ecumenical and interfaith relationships. Lozada is married to Wendi Lozada-Smith and the two share children Nico and Ana.
