Abson Joseph, Ph.D. brings growth mindset to role

Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) announced it has named Abson Joseph, Ph.D., as the next dean of Wesley Seminary. He will begin his duties on January 1, 2018.

Joseph, who is currently a professor of New Testament and ancient languages at IWU’s School of Theology and Ministry, will move from undergraduate education to graduate-level instruction when he assumes his new role.

“The Seminary is poised for new growth, both locally and globally,” Joseph said. “I’m excited about the possibility to craft what that’s going to look like and about the opportunity to help lead the Seminary to the next phase of our existence.”

As dean of Wesley Seminary, Joseph will be charged with leading curriculum assessment, faculty development and interfacing with the local Wesleyan Church, as well as with the Seminary’s wider constituency, which includes students from many different denominations. He will also guide an expansion of Wesley Seminary’s global education initiatives, including efforts to expand the Seminary’s global presence with the addition of French language courses.

“Dr. Joseph brings with him an expertise in curriculum development and assessment, knowledge of global education, and a commitment to the Lord’s work,” said Colleen Derr, Ed.D., president of Wesley Seminary and executive vice president of Indiana Wesleyan University. “Dr. Joseph’s commitment to academic rigor and theological integrity make him well-suited for this vital role.”

Wesley Seminary serves more than 500 students and offers a unique model in that it allows ministers to stay in their current ministry setting while attending seminary. Classes are offered online and attract students in the United States and internationally.

The Seminary recently celebrated its first international commencement in Bogota, Colombia. Twenty-three students graduated, receiving their honors from university and Seminary officials, who traveled to Colombia for the ceremony.

A native of Haiti, Joseph has a Doctor of Philosophy from Brunel University/London School of Theology and a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. He earned his Diploma in Theology from Caribbean Wesleyan College in Jamaica. Prior to joining the staff at IWU, Joseph served as academic dean at Caribbean Wesleyan College.

He and his wife, Larisa Levicheva, Ph.D., assistant professor of Bible and Christian ministry at IWU, live in Marion, Ind., with their two daughters, Daniella, 12, and Sophie, 10.