Dear APNTS Community,
I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Marie Joy Pring-Faraz has been appointed as the new Academic Dean of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, effective May 3, 2025. Dr. Pring-Faraz will be succeeding Dr. David Ackerman, who has served with distinction and excellence. We are immensely grateful to Dr. Ackerman for his dedication and contributions during his tenure, and we extend our best wishes as he returns to the United States to be with his family.
Dr. Pring-Faraz brings to this role a wealth of experience and an outstanding record of academic and ministerial achievement. With a Doctorate in Transformational Development from APNTS, where she explored how Christian faith and Filipino culture enhance resilience among urban poor women, Dr. Pring-Faraz has consistently demonstrated her commitment to integrating theological education with practical ministry.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pring-Faraz has held numerous teaching and research positions that have prepared her for this significant role. Notably, her work as a Research Fellow at The Nagel Institute and her publications on urban poverty and transformational theology highlight her expertise and passion for addressing complex social issues through academic excellence and Christian faith.
As we welcome Dr. Pring-Faraz into her new role, we are excited about the vision and direction she brings to the academic programs at APNTS. Her dedication to scholarly rigor and her heart for the Church’s role in societal transformation are just what APNTS needs at this juncture.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Marie Joy Pring-Faraz as our new Academic Dean. We look forward to the leadership she will bring to our academic community and her contributions to our mission of preparing faithful, informed, and effective leaders for the church in Asia and beyond.
On the Journey,
Larry Bollinger, President, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
