Nancye Dunlap

United Methodist District Superintendent – St. Louis, Missouri

Nancye was born and raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, brought up in the General Baptist tradition. She and her husband joined the Pacific United Methodist Church after their first daughter was born. “I was very involved in the life of our church, directing the children’s choir and other activities.” In 1976, Reverend Bill Richardson was appointed as pastor at Pacific. He often talked about his own seminary years at Eden, especially about Dr. Walter Brueggeman. “When he asked me one day what I planned to do when our youngest daughter started kindergarten, I was surprised to hear myself say that I would love to take an Old Testament class at Eden!”

That question led to a call for an Eden catalog and to the Brueggemann Old Testament Class. “I was fascinated – couldn’t wait to get to class. I took a New Testament class the next semester. On Easter Sunday of that year, I understood that I felt called to continue – and shortly after enrolled full-time at Eden.”

My Eden experience was transforma- tional.

Nancye began her full-time studies in 1981. “My Eden experience was transformational. At Eden, the professors and the studies helped form and articulate a theology that made sense to me.”

Also at Eden, Nancye felt affirmed as a person. “I remember hesitating in class one day when Dr. Brueggemann asked me a question. His response to my hesitation was that my interpretation of that text was important – no matter what it was. That attitude from all the professors was so freeing for me!”

While the academic program was rigorous, Nancye enjoyed her time at Eden. “There was always such a sense of hospitality – of being valued. The faculty often invited the students into their homes for small group gatherings around the table. It was wonderful.”

Nancye now serves as a United Methodist District Superintendent in St. Louis. “My self-identity, theology, and leadership skills were shaped not just by my classes, but also by the Eden community – the faculty, the students, and the support staff – and I will always be grateful for them.”