Divinity School alumna returns to serve as new Dean of Students

Teresa Hord Owens has been named the new Dean of Students in the Divinity School and began her post on Monday, Aug. 1.

Owens, who goes by Terri, is a 2003 graduate of the school’s Master of Divinity program. Most recently she worked as special assistant to the president and CEO of the University Hospitals.

She also has worked in information technology for SBC Ameritech, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the state of Indiana, Ernst & Young, and IBM.

Owens earned her A.B. in government and Afro-American studies from Harvard University in 1982.

“I’m so excited to be back at the Divinity School,” Owens said. “It’s a privilege to be here in such an amazing place, and to work with students will be a great way for me to do what I love—working with people and helping people to think through what they want to do with their lives.”

An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Owens is the drama coordinator, new members’ teacher and leader of the small group ministry for Salem Baptist Church on the South Side.

“I’ve always wanted to be a preacher/scholar, so this environment is perfect for me,” she said. “Rigorous study and inquiry feed me, so I’m thrilled to be back in this academic environment.”