Articles

Interdenominational Theological Center Welcomes New President, Michael A. Battle

ITC Public Announcement, July 2003
Faith And The City E-Letter
September 9, 2003

The Board of Trustees of The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), led by its chair, Bishop John Bryant, of the AME church, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael A. Battle as the 7th President of this historic consortium of seminaries. The search committee, assisted by the firm Academic Search, rigorously looked for about a year for the "right fit" for ITC. Dr. Battle brings with him a tremendous background in academia, theological education, and administration.

The search committee chair, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, says of Dr. Battle, "He is well-suited and trained to stand on the shoulders of Presidents Harry V. Richardson, Oswald P. Bronson, Grant W. Shockley, J. Deotis Roberts, James H. Costen, Robert Michael Franklin, and Interim President Oliver J. Haney, Jr. Michael Battle is a theologically trained educator, a managerial genius, a strategic planner, a compassionate servant leader, a demonstrated fund-raiser, a proven ecumenical innovator, and a preacher who addresses the needs of the 21st century. He will give ITC conscientious and dedicated leadership in theological education."

Dr. Battle earned his bachelor's degree in religion from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and his master's of divinity from Duke University His doctorate is from Howard University and his educational career includes service at Hampton University, Virginia State University, and, most recently, Chicago State University, where he currently serves as Vice President for Student Affairs, with authority for a number of administrative areas. His work at Chicago State has involved the oversight of some $ 25 million in construction projects. Dr. Battle has earned a distinguished reputation over the years as a fiscally prudent manager, an able administrator and organizational expert, a consultant and evaluator on accreditation issues, a creator of ministerial and theological educational programs, and a published writer on the African American Church. During his service as a Chaplain in the United States Army, Dr. Battle was known for his work across denominations and his ability to supervise chaplains representing the entire religious diversity within the Army and to engage and encourage inter-religious participation. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Battle stated, "I am excited about the rich possibilities of The Interdenominational Theological Center. Its intentional emphasis on ecumenism demonstrated through interdenominational cooperation is fundamental to the survival of both the churches and the communities its graduates are called to serve. The Interdenominational Theological Center is a model of interdependent cooperation in which distinctively different denominations elect to work together, study together and worship together in the process of providing an accredited context for the development of courageous and insightful leadership in the African American Church and community. As President of ITC, I am committed to working with every constituency of the ITC community to assure the accreditation and fiscal integrity of the institution. In consultation with the Board of Trustees, the Constituent Deans, the Faculty, the Staff, the Student Body, the Alumni and friends whose support is demonstrated through prayers and stewardship we will enlarge the support base of ITC and seek innovative ways to expand its program offerings.

Dr. Battle is married to the former Linda Ann McClure. The Battles have three grown children, Michael Jr., Lisa Angela, and Martin Luther. Martin is a graduate of Malcolm X College; Lisa is a Graduate of Elizabeth City State University and Central Michigan State University and is also a captain in the US Army; Michael is completing his undergraduate work in Religious Studies at Hampton University.

Bishop John Bryant, Chair of the Board of Trustees states, "Dr. Battle will arrive on August 15 and serve as consultant to ITC until September 3, when he assumes the title of President. I have known Dr. Battle and his work in ministerial education for twenty years, and I believe we have a man of principle, commitment, passion, and administrative acumen to lead our institution. We welcome him enthusiastically and encourage the campus to join us in celebrating his appointment."