The General Theological Seminary has appointed the Rev. Emily Wachner as the Director of Integrative Programs. In this newly created position, Wachner will oversee and administer Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Field Education, and The Wisdom Year, while creating additional integrated formational opportunities for students.

As the Director of Integrative Programs, Wachner will provide a consistent presence throughout a student’s seminary education, bridging classroom education with practical experience. She will assist in the nurturing and selection of CPE sites and assist students in the application process during their junior year. She will also develop and cultivate relationships with Field Education sites and help match students in their second year.

In addition, Wachner will continue to develop and implement The Wisdom Year. As part of The Wisdom Year, students integrate their final year of studies with a part-time, paid placement in a ministry setting. In the lead-up to the full implementation of that program, Wachner will develop best practices for administering this type of ministry, and will coordinate student supervision and specialized guest lecturers. She will continue in the full management of the program, including the assemblage of an advisory team made up of local clergy and educators.

“Emily is smart, quick, determined, and creative and also highly collaborative. It is clear that she is the perfect fit for advancing this important initiative during these next years,” says the Very Rev. Kurt H. Dunkle, Dean and President.

Wachner received her M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and comes to General Seminary from Trinity Church Wall Street where she is the Priest for Welcome, Liturgy, Hospitality & Pilgrimage. There she assisted the development of a new 200-person congregation and participated in the leadership of interfaith and community initiatives at historic St. Paul’s Chapel. She created and implemented new member formation classes and served as liaison for hundreds of newcomers. Before serving at Trinity, she was the Associate Rector at St. Timothy’s Church, St. Louis.

“Emily Wachner has been a trusted staff colleague and has led with creativity and passion in her time at Trinity. We are pleased to see that the next stage of her ministry will be at The General Theological Seminary where she will have a strong impact on the formation of a new generation of leaders for the church. Emily and the entire General community will be in our prayers as you journey forward together,” states the Rev. Dr. William Lupfer, Rector, Trinity Wall Street.

Wachner will take up her duties in mid-September, but is already spending time on campus during Orientation Week connecting with students, staff, and faculty.

About her new position at General, Wachner states, “It is an honor and a privilege to join the General Seminary community. The work ahead of us is to bring The Wisdom Year to life, and I am thrilled to be a part of shaping the future of theological education at The General Theological Seminary.”