Union Presbyterian Seminary names new vice president, chaplain
Seminary also celebrates 15 years of dedicated service from its facilities manager
Union Presbyterian Seminary announces key leadership transitions that mark both new beginnings and the culmination of years of dedicated institutional service.
Following a comprehensive search and Board of Trustees approval, the seminary has appointed Tamica Goode as vice president for Finance and Administration, effective June 23. Goode brings more than 25 years of experience spanning corporate finance and nonprofit stewardship, including senior roles at Markel, Capital One, the University of Richmond, Owens & Minor, Carmax, Marriott International, and fractional CFO engagements for mid-sized firms.
At the seminary, Goode oversees financial reporting, budgeting, system implementations, and strategic planning. Goode holds a master of business administration from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and a a bachelor of science in accounting also from the University of Virginia.
“I’m excited to bring my experience to Union Presbyterian Seminary and look forward to contributing to its mission and future,” said Goode. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to building systems that support sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and mission-driven stewardship. I am eager to meet and collaborate with each of you as we continue to strengthen the Seminary’s financial foundation and support its vision for transformative theological education.”
“I am beyond delighted that Tamica Goode is joining the UPSem team,” said Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley, the seminary’s president. “With impeccable education and training, and a wealth of work experience in higher education and the corporate world, Tamica is ideally positioned to help us improve our financial systems and oversee our facilities and human resources areas with incisive intelligence, integrity, energy and warmth. She will be a wonderful colleague as we together work to fulfill UPSem’s mission of preparing leaders for gospel-inspired transformative change in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.”
Dr. Shea Watts has been called as Chaplain and Director of Student Life for UPSem’s Charlotte campus, effective July 8. A member of the UPSem Charlotte community, Watts completed his Master of Divinity requirements last week. Watts holds a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from Chicago Theological Seminary and brings more than 15 years of ministry experience working in several denominations. Most recently, Watts served as director of contemporary music and worship arts at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Lisa McLennan, Vice President for Administration and Dean of Students, Charlotte campus, said, “Shea’s deep and wide education, his experience with a variety of denominations and higher education institutions, his creativity, energy, technological finesse, and his love for preparing future leaders make him the right person for this call in this season at UPSem.”
“I am thrilled to join Union Presbyterian Seminary Charlotte as the chaplain and director of student life," Watts said, "The students, staff, and faculty at UPSem have made such an impact on my life, and I'm grateful that these relationships will continue to grow and flourish. I cannot wait to start and contribute to UPSem's next chapter of empowering Christian leaders to create a more just and compassionate world."
The Rev. Sally Herlong will retire from her role as chaplain and director of Student Services, Charlotte Campus, on June 30. After joining the seminary in 2021, Herlong led the Charlotte campus through post-pandemic reopening and the transition to hybrid learning. A campus celebration and retirement luncheon have been scheduled in honor of Herlong’s service.
“Rev. Herlong’s unique combination of vocations and skills made her the perfect person in this season of the Charlotte campus,” McLennan shared. “Her wisdom, patience, steady presence, and humor will be deeply missed.”
After 15 years of service, Keith Fauber, facilities manager, will retire from Union Presbyterian Seminary on July 31. His steady leadership has left a lasting impact on the Richmond campus and the seminary community.
“Maintaining a 128-year-old facility is a never-ending challenge,” said John Wilson, director of Technology and Media Services. “Keith has done a remarkable job ensuring our spaces are comfortable, safe and welcoming always. Keith has earned a peaceful and relaxing retirement, and he deserves a ‘well done, good and faithful servant!’ from all of us.”
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