Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Grand Canyon Synod joins with joy and gratitude in celebrating the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes as Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), part of California Lutheran University.

Dr. Windham-Hughes, affectionately known as “Dr. Dub,” was our special guest at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly and has long been recognized as a gifted leader within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her appointment marks a bold and faithful step forward for PLTS in its mission to form compassionate, theologically grounded leaders for the church and the world.

Since joining Cal Lutheran in 2010 as an assistant professor of religion, Dr. Windham-Hughes has served in numerous leadership roles, including department chair and associate vice president for Mission and Identity. She is a national voice in Lutheran higher education, editor of Intersections, and a member of the writing group for So That All May Belong: Lutheran Roots for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Her leadership at PLTS has already included preaching, teaching in the TEEM program, leading retreats, and shaping conversations around interfaith dialogue, equity, and vocational formation. Now, as rector, she will guide the seminary’s academic mission with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Bishop Jeff Johnson of the Sierra Pacific Synod calls her “a leader for such a time as this — visionary, vibrant, and rooted in the hope of the Gospel.” President John Nunes of Cal Lutheran echoes this conviction: “Her leadership is both timely and timeless.”

Please join us in praying for and supporting the Rev. Dr. Windham-Hughes as she begins this new chapter of ministry, continuing the work of shaping faithful, innovative leaders for the life of the church.