John Kwak Appointed as VP of Academics and Dean of Faculty

John Kwak

Feb. 4, 2026

Western Seminary is grateful to announce that John Y. Kwak, PhD, has been appointed to serve permanently as Western’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

Since joining Western in 2020, Kwak has served in a number of key leadership roles in addition to his role as Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology. This includes serving as Chair of the Center for Ministry and Leadership, Director of the Doctor of Ministry program, and most recently as Accreditation Liaison Officer. For the past ten months, Kwak had been serving an interim role as VP and Dean.

“This decision was made with the enthusiastic support of the faculty and Executive Leadership Team and affirmed by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees,” said President Chuck Conniry, PhD. “Over the past ten months, John has served faithfully and effectively in the interim role, and I am deeply grateful for the clarity, confidence, and unity with which his appointment has been embraced.”

Kwak’s academic background includes doctoral work in philosophy from the University of Rochester, multiple graduate degrees in philosophy and theology, and a breadth of teaching experience across theology, philosophy, and pastoral studies.

“I'm deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve Western as the new VP of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty,” said Kwak. “Western's faculty and wider Academics team are truly exemplary, both in authentic Christian and missional conviction, and in professional excellence. It's been an honor just to be part of that team as a fellow faculty member, and it's an even greater one to serve that team in this new role.”

President Conniry affirmed that Kwak has been a unifying presence in his time at Western and affirmed his reputation as a wise and collaborative colleague.

“More than his credentials, those who work closely with John know his character: his humility, his care for people, his love for the church, and his deep commitment to Western’s aspiration to be the church’s trusted partner,” said Conniry.