Seminary names PI man interim president
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
BANGOR — The Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood, of Presque Isle, has been named the interim president of Bangor Theological Seminary.
He takes over for the Rev. Dr. Kent J. Ulery, who tendered his resignation earlier this month. A national search for a new president is under way. Grove-Markwood’s appointment is effective July 1.
Grove-Markwood has an extensive history with Bangor Theological Seminary, having received both master of divinity and doctorate of ministry degrees from the institution. He also served as the seminary’s director of admissions from January 1985 to June 1987. For the past five years, Grove-Markwood has been a member of the board of trustees.
“There is no better person to lead the Seminary at this time in its long and distinguished history than Bob Grove-Markwood,” said H. Lowell Brown, board chair. “As a graduate of both programs at Bangor Theological Seminary, Bob understands in a very personal way the culture and unique history of the Seminary. As a member of the ordained ministry for 29 years, he also understands the needs of the clergy, as well as the lay leadership and other spiritual seekers whom the Seminary seeks to serve.”
During his tenure on the board, Grove-Markwood has chaired both the Advancement and the Information Technology committees.
“Bob has taken a leading role in the formation of the initiatives that he will now be asked to carry forward, which makes him uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the presidency,” said Brown. “That is why Bob was the unanimous choice of the trustees.”
Pastor of the Presque Isle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, where he has served since 1987, Grove-Markwood will continue to serve his church in a reduced role.
“The Presque Isle church is supportive of me as I take on this new challenge,” said Grove-Markwood. “It is a unique way for them to participate in the church’s wider mission.
“Bangor Theological Seminary has influenced my life in significant ways, and I am very honored to be asked to help guide the institution during this transitional period,” he said. “I look forward to working with our deeply committed Bangor Theological Seminary faculty, staff, students and board of trustees, as we begin another chapter in our enduring story.”
Grove-Markwood said he will preach at the Presque Isle church at least one Sunday a month, as well as officiate any weddings and funerals that arise. The Rev. Tim Stohlberg of Caribou will handle the other Sunday services.
Grove-Markwood is a graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio and received a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University, also in Ohio. In addition to involvement with the Maine Conference UCC and the Aroostook Association UCC, he has been active in several community organizations. He is a past president of the Presque Isle Rotary Club, a Paul Harris fellow, and chaired the Rotary District 7810 World Community Service committee.
Bangor Theological Seminary, founded in 1814, is the only accredited graduate school of religion in northern New England.
