The Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University announced that it is adding a new graduate program in the fall 2022 semester. The Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation is a direct response to a need the seminary saw for people of faith to further their education in a way that helped to better focus on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion, especially amidst the divisiveness that is prevalent throughout the world.
Dean of the Seminary Rev. Dr. Zac Harmon-McLaughlin said, “This program is birthed out of the Christian mission imperative. We believe there is discontent with the status of the world and we want to be an active part of the way forward.”
The goal of this program is to spark important conversations around justice and peace, prompting the necessary actions to change the world. The MAPST combines spiritual formation, theologies of peace, civic engagement, local ministry context, and innovative methods of social change and transformation. This degree is for those who wish to explore the intersection of faith and action and how it can be applied in everyday life.
The seminary is a collaboration between Graceland University, an institution of higher education that dates back to 1895 with campuses in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, and its sponsoring church, Community of Christ. This new seminary offering builds on its success offering a Master of Arts in Religion for the past 20 years.
“The Seminary continues to explore the practical application of theological and scriptural education in an effort to change the world to be more just and equitable. This degree is just one way we can participate in helping communities deconstruct systems and structures that oppress and marginalize.” – Rev. Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin, Dean, Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University
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.
