Javier A. Viera is President of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Professor of Education and Leadership. Since assuming the presidency in 2020, he has led the seminary through a period of institutional repositioning—strengthening enrollment, advancing a $100M capital campaign, reimagining the seminary’s physical and institutional presence through a transformative campus partnership with Northwestern University, deepening global and ecclesial partnerships, and guiding strategic initiatives that seek to place Garrett among the leading theological institutions in the world.

Andrew Root, PhD (Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He brings a sharp lens to what faith, ministry, and culture look like when old assumptions no longer hold. He helps you think more clearly about evangelism, church life, and youth and family ministry in a secular age, with a focus on the questions that still matter most.

Reggie Blount brings a rare blend of chemical engineering, 27 years of pastoral ministry, and two decades in theological education to Homecoming 2026. As Director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience and co-founder of the Oikos Institute for Social Impact, he helps you see how faith communities can draw on their own strengths to spark lasting, asset-based change.

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey is an award-winning author, educator, and public speaker whose work creates space for justice-filled, transformative connections and a world where everyone can flourish. She serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she also teaches Christian ethics, and is ordained in the American Baptist Churches (USA).

Scott Ostlund brings a rare mix of enrollment strategy, corporate marketing experience, and a deep commitment to accessible theological education. He understands how schools can connect with people in ways that feel welcoming, clear, and rooted in purpose. At Homecoming 2026, he offers a perspective shaped by helping degree programs grow while keeping justice-minded formation at the center.

rev. dr. abby mohaupt brings a sharp understanding of how people actually gather, learn, and move toward shared action online. Her experience in climate justice, interfaith spaces, and digital organizing helps you see how connection becomes something practical — and how ideas turn into work that others can join.

Gail Song Bantum brings three decades of pastoral and executive leadership experience to Homecoming 2026, helping you think more clearly about how faith shapes leadership in real life. Her background in coaching and organizational change gives her a practical lens on what emerging leaders need most as they grow.

Dr. Kenneth Ngwa is the Donald J. Casper Professor of Hebrew Bible and African Biblical Hermeneutics at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he also directs the Religion and Global Health Forum. Born and raised in Cameroon, his research explores the intersections of the Bible and Africa, centering on questions of liberation and human and non-human flourishing. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Maîtrise en Théologie from the Faculty of Protestant Theology in Cameroon.

Rev. Dr. Jill Buckler brings a practical, people-centered perspective on what helps faith communities support the health and well-being of the people who serve them. Drawing on her work with Church leaders and United Methodist stakeholders, she helps you see how systems can be shaped to better care for those carrying the work of ministry.