She didn’t set out to work in ministry. The Rev. Dr. Beverly Wallace, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary’s (LTSS) new Lifelong Learning Director, took an indirect route that led her to the church and
eventually to Lenoir-Rhyne University’s LTSS, located in Columbia, SC.

With a degree in social work, she found gaps in the Lutheran church she attended in New York “The pastors weren’t necessarily understanding issues of psychology and relationships,” she said. So, she got involved.
Later, Beverly and her family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where she got a master’s degree in human development and human studies. Her church in Greensboro was one of only two African American congregations in their synod. Once again, she felt a need to do something and was trained as a resource person to work with black ministry efforts.

Eventually, she felt a tug to play a more formal role in ministry. “Since I’m a researcher, I interviewed pastors and asked them why they do what they do. One pastor told me that we are needed in our community. If not us, then who?” In the years since Beverly received a Master of Divinity degree from LTSS, she’s dedicated herself to preparing others for careers in ministry. She also returned to school herself for a doctorate in family social science with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy.

A strong advocate for women of color, Beverly created the Womanist Initiative in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This effort weaves the perspective of African American women into theology and church culture. She will be continuing this work at LTSS. “It now has a home where it can flourish,” she said. As a newcomer to Lenoir-Rhyne, Beverly plans to “listen to our constituents and what they want from the Lifelong Learning Program.” She’s also eager to build connections and tap into opportunities that offer partnerships in ministry and education.

A mother of four, Beverly also has ten grandchildren. Her interests include jazz music and home decorating.