Stacey Hohbein, Alumnus

Dear Board of Trustees,

My name is Stacey (Lovett) Hohbein. I graduated from Northern Seminary in July 2022.

I am writing to express my concerns related to all of the events that have transpired recently at Northern and the reports of abuse that go back many years. I'm sure you may be hearing from many people, and perhaps that is starting to feel overwhelming, but I appreciate you taking the time to hear from one more person who loves Northern and wants to see her thrive into the future. 

When I set out to choose a seminary, I knew Northern wasn't the obvious choice. I have served around the globe, and few people outside of Chicago have heard of Northern Seminary. Yet, I chose Northern because I knew that the places I wanted to minister would value what I studied at Northern. I wanted my future ministry teams to know that I was schooled at a place that was particularly mindful of women, minorities, and healthy church cultures. 

The very reason I chose Northern, and what sets Northern apart, seems now to be in shambles. I'm so grateful that you all worked for the resignation of Bill Shiell and that you are giving attention to the many complaints about his leadership style. The board's letter that announced his resignation, however, was disappointing to me, as was the recent firing of one of the whistleblowers. It is also discouraging to me that there have been many reports that the board has not acknowledged and personally responded to communication by students and staff.

My request is for you to measure what it will take for the staff and students to regain trust in your leadership. An outside counselor is a great step, but it is far from enough. The real problem, as I see it, is a relational problem between the board and the students and staff that the board has committed to care for. I believe that for trust to be rebuilt there must be more transparency by the board and extensive hours of face-to-face engagement with students and staff over the coming year. I'm sure you did not foresee stepping into this crisis when you joined the board, but now it requires much of you. 

I do request that all board members step down if they cannot commit to greater transparency and to extensive face-to-face engagement with staff and students in the months ahead. The very soul of Northern is at stake. The culture of Tov is the very reason students come to Northern. Do not let fear or pride hold you back from making a decision that is best for the relational and spiritual health of this institution that you love. I do, however, welcome your continued service on the board if you are willing to put in the greater transparency and relational effort that this new season will require.

Thank you for your time and service,

Stacey Hohbein (MATM Class of 2022)