Gammon Theological Seminary Welcomes Three New Members to Academic Affairs
ATLANTA — As Gammon Theological Seminary prepares for the Fall 2026 semester, the seminary is pleased to welcome three new members to its Academic Affairs team. The appointments reflect Gammon’s continued investment in outstanding faculty, student success, and innovative theological education.
Dr. Sakena De. Young-Scaggs Named Associate Professor of Contextual Theology and Field Education
Gammon welcomes Dr. Sakena De. Young-Scaggs as Associate Professor of Contextual Theology and Field Education. A respected scholar of Womanist Theology, philosophy, ethics, and chaplaincy, Dr. Young-Scaggs has previously served on the faculties and professional staffs of Stanford University, Boston University, and Brown University.
Her scholarship explores Womanist phenomenology, Afrofuturism, and Black sacred imagination, with particular attention to resiliency, healing, and joy within Black communities. In addition to teaching, she will lead the development of Gammon’s Field Education program, cultivating partnerships with churches, nonprofit organizations, and ministry settings that provide students with meaningful opportunities to integrate theological learning with the practice of ministry.
She will also collaborate with the President's Office in expanding continuing education initiatives that extend Gammon's educational mission beyond degree programs.
Dr. Mark C. Grafenreed Joins as Assistant Professor of Religious Heritage and Wesleyan Studies
Joining the faculty as Assistant Professor of Religious Heritage and Wesleyan Studies, Dr. Mark C. Grafenreed brings an interdisciplinary perspective shaped by the study of law, religion, and culture. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he earned his undergraduate degree, Juris Doctor, and Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University.
His scholarly interests explore the dynamic relationship among legal traditions, religious thought, and cultural life. Ordained in The United Methodist Church, Dr. Grafenreed will play an important role in the formation of United Methodist students for ministry, serving as Gammon's designated faculty liaison for Wesleyan Studies and helping students engage the Wesleyan theological tradition in preparation for ordained leadership.
Rev. Rhonda Murdock Johnson Appointed Academic Programs and Continuing Education Program Coordinator
Gammon also welcomes Rev. Rhonda Murdock Johnson as Academic Programs and Continuing Education Program Coordinator. An ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Murdock Johnson brings decades of administrative leadership in educational and ministry settings.
Known for her discretion, thoughtful leadership, and exceptional organizational abilities, Rev. Rhonda Murdock Johnson has extensive experience coordinating complex operations while fostering a welcoming, service-oriented environment. Working closely with the Office of the Chief Academic Officer, Murdock Johnson will support faculty and students, strengthen collaboration among key administrative offices, and help coordinate the seminary's growing portfolio of continuing education programs.
Investing in Gammon 3.0’s Future
These appointments represent another significant step in Gammon's continued growth following its recent achievement of SACSCOC accreditation. Together, Dr. Young-Scaggs, Dr. Grafenreed, and Rev. Murdock Johnson bring distinguished experience in scholarship, ministry, student support, and academic administration. Their leadership will strengthen the seminary's mission of preparing faithful, thoughtful, and justice-minded leaders for the church and the world.
The Gammon 3.0 community looks forward to welcoming all three as they begin their work this August.
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