Berkeley Divinity School Names Dr. Gabrielle Thomas as Next Dean for 2026
The Reverend Dr. Gabrielle Thomas has been named the next Dean of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. She will take up the role on July 1, 2026, succeeding Dean Andrew McGowan after his 12 years of leadership. Dr. Thomas currently serves as an Associate Professor of Early Christianity and Anglican Studies at Emory's Candler School of Theology.
Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience to the position. From 2019 to 2021, she taught at both Berkeley Divinity School and Yale Divinity School, where she helped reshape the Anglican Studies curriculum. During this time, she also acted as a faculty representative to the Berkeley Board of Trustees. For nearly a decade, she contributed to the Archbishop of Canterbury's Theological Reflection Group, focusing on ecclesiology, doctrine, and mission.
Before her academic career, she worked as a full-time Assistant Curate at St. Mary with St. Alban parish in London from 2015 to 2017. More recently, she served as Theologian-in-Community at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Her published work includes twenty articles, two books, and a co-edited volume on historical theology. She has also been a prominent voice on the role of women in the Anglican Communion and higher education.
James Elrod, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Berkeley, described her as a gifted teacher, experienced pastor, distinguished scholar, and bold leader. In addition to her new role as Dean, she will serve as Associate Dean of Yale Divinity School. Dean McGowan, her predecessor, will transition to a full-time faculty position at the Yale Institute of Music and Yale Divinity School.
Dr. Thomas's appointment marks a significant milestone for Berkeley Divinity School. Her leadership will begin in mid-2026, following a career that spans parish ministry, academic scholarship, and institutional governance. The school has highlighted her ability to bridge theological study with practical church engagement.
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