C. Lynn Nakamura Reflects
Lynn Nakamura, professor of Old Testament and Learning Technologies and director of Information Technology, will leave Trinity at the end of the academic year, but retain the title of Senior Research Professor. Dr. Nakamura joined the Trinity faculty in 1988 as assistant professor of Old Testament. She became director of Learning Technologies in 1996 and served as acting manager of Computer Services from 1996-98. In 2001 she was appointed Professor of Old Testament and Learning Technologies, and in 2005 was named director of Information Technology.Dr. Nakamura earned her M.Div. at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and her Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She served as pastor of a congregation in Ocean City, New Jersey, before joining the Trinity faculty. “All but one of the 24 years of my professional career thus far have been spent at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. I came here with three things—a love for the gospel, a love for the Hebrew Scriptures, and a sense of call to help form leaders for the church. Although over the years much has changed at Trinity, in the United States, in the church, and in the world, the essence of these three things has not changed for me; it is the way in which they are lived out that is being transformed. I have come to realize that vibrant, resilient, and faithful leadership is more critical than ever as the church carries forth its mission in these uncertain and anxious times into a future that is equally fraught with ambiguity. It is in the area of leadership development that I have found my passion growing for the past decade. As I have studied and practiced, I have gradually sensed the Spirit leading me in a new direction. I still love the gospel. I still love the Hebrew Scriptures. And, I still sense a call to help form leaders for the church — I just see that call in a different way now. While I may still teach on occasion in the future, I am looking to reframe my work life in the area of executive coaching. We’ll see where that leads. As the academic year begins to wind down, seniors are typically experiencing mixed emotions, as am I—Trinity has been home for many years now; close friends are here; but, the time is drawing near to venture forth. It is hard to leave the familiar and loved, still, at the same time, it is exciting to take hold of the future.” |