Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

President's Biography

Dr. Philip A. Amerson, President
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

The Rev. Dr. Philip A. Amerson became president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, in June 2006. He also holds the title of professor of the sociology of religion.  Dr. Amerson received a doctor of philosophy degree from Emory University in 1976, a master of divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1971 and a bachelor of arts degree from Asbury College in 1967. 

Prior to arriving at Garrett-Evangelical, he served as president of the Claremont School of Theology for six years.  Dr. Amerson has taught at several colleges and graduate schools. As an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, he has also served as pastor for 21 years, including appointments at three congregations in the South Indiana (now Indiana) Conference. 

His work in the United Methodist Church includes: founding member of Patchwork Ministries in Evansville, Indiana;  vice president of the University Senate; chairperson of the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools; member of the Commission on Theological Education; member of the Bishop’s Task Force on Theological Education and of the Ministry Study Commission;  presenter at the 10^th and 11^th Oxford Institutes of Methodist Theological Studies and co-convener of the “Practical Theology” session at the 2002 event; and delegate to United Methodist General Conferences in 1992, 1996, 2000 (South Indiana Conference) and 2004 (California-Pacific Conference).

He is the author of numerous books, articles and papers, including Tell Me City Stories: A Journey for Urban Congregations and his most recent publication, “The Vocation of Peacebuilding,” with John W. Woell in Choosing Peace Through Daily Practices.

A cradle Methodist and Indiana native, he is married to Elaine, formerly the director of leadership for The United Methodist Church’s California-Pacific Annual Conference. The Amerson family includes a son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Erin; a daughter and son-in-law, Lydia and Tom Murray; and three grandchildren.