The Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University is continuing to innovate what it means to be a seminary. In partnership with the sponsoring church, Community of Christ, the university is excited to announce a new educational venture called The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission (CIMM) launching this fall. The CIMM is focused on creating non-credit opportunities for adult theological education, ministerial training, and leadership development. These efforts seek to empower and inspire disciples and leaders to become passionate practitioners of the mission of Jesus Christ.
Stassi Cramm, PhD, member of Community of Christ First Presidency and Trustee to Graceland said, “I’m excited about the partnership being forged between Community of Christ and the Seminary at Graceland University. The ability to develop ministry skills or prepare for ordination online is an exceptional formation experience that brings together top-notch Seminary instructors and learners of various backgrounds.”
Earlier this year, Graceland hired David Lloyd to lead efforts at the CIMM as part of its Seminary. Dean of the Community of Christ Seminary Zac Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin, chose Lloyd because of his extensive experience, including creating Developmetrics, which previously served as an online learning platform for Community of Christ ministers. CIMM will continue to expand on that mission this fall with two certificate programs: one in Ministry & Priesthood Ordination and the other in Christian Ministries. Both programs begin at the end of August and are accepting students now.
Dean Harmon-McLaughlin is excited about the new partnership. “The Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission makes theological, ministerial, and leadership education accessible to everyone everywhere!” he said. “The seminary is dedicated to helping people discover the tools and resources necessary to change the world, and CIMM is one more way for us to do that.”
Registration details and more information can be found on the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission site.
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
