Congrats Dr. Crumpton!
MAY 14, 2026
Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Crumpton Promoted to Professor of Practical Theology
Upon recommendation of the faculty and approval by the McCormick Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, McCormick is honored to announce the promotion of Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Crumpton to Professor of Practical Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary — recognizing a scholar, teacher, healer, and truth-teller whose work continues to shape the church, the academy, and communities seeking wholeness and justice.
Since joining McCormick in 2017, Dr. Crumpton has become a vital voice within the seminary community, bringing together rigorous scholarship, pastoral wisdom, and a deep commitment to collective healing. In 2019, she was awarded tenure and promoted to Associate Professor, affirming the profound impact of her scholarship, teaching, and leadership within the institution.
SCHOLARSHIP ROOTED IN HEALING AND JUSTICE
Today, her influence extends far beyond the classroom through her leadership as Director of McCormick’s Trauma Healing Initiative and co-host of the Be Well Podcast, where conversations around theology, healing, justice, and care are made accessible, courageous, and deeply human.
Her academic and ministerial work spans pastoral theological methodology, theories of personality development, family systems theory, and the historical and social dimensions of pastoral counseling. Across each area, Dr. Crumpton’s scholarship reflects a profound commitment to nurturing leaders grounded in compassion, courage, and transformative care.
In 2025, she released her newest book, We Gon’ Be Alright, through the University of Arizona Press — a work that continues her witness to healing, resilience, and communal flourishing in the face of struggle and uncertainty.
VOICES OF CELEBRATION
President Maisha Handy reflected on the significance of Dr. Crumpton’s promotion:
“Dr. Crumpton embodies the kind of courageous, justice-rooted theological leadership our world needs. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned promotion and grateful for the profound impact she continues to make at McCormick and beyond.”
Dr. Jina Kang, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, also shared her appreciation for Dr. Crumpton’s leadership and scholarship:
“Dr. Crumpton’s work consistently bridges intellectual rigor with pastoral presence and prophetic care. She challenges students and colleagues alike to think more deeply, lead more compassionately, and remain attentive to the healing work required in both the church and the world. This promotion recognizes not only her scholarly excellence, but also the transformative impact of her ministry and mentorship.”
A LEGACY OF FORMATION AND CARE
Before joining McCormick, Dr. Crumpton served as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary and previously as Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Hood Theological Seminary. She also taught at Chicago Theological Seminary, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. While in Georgia, she served as a state court advocate and consultant on the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.
Ordained with ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ in 2013, Dr. Crumpton holds a Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Langston University.
At McCormick, her scholarship and ministry continue to nourish a generation of leaders committed to healing, justice, truth, and liberation.
Congratulations, Dr. Crumpton. We give thanks for your witness, your wisdom, and the life your work continues to pour into the world.