Vision Statement
The Foundation fosters creative relationships with degree programs in theology or ministry that
emphasize academic quality, spiritual formation, and community engagement in a spirit of inclusion and
diversity, whenever possible working with programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Grounded in a practical theological approach, it discerns the signs of the times to strategically identify
emerging leadership opportunities and provide critical funding for innovative programs.
Mission
The Foundation supports spiritual, theological, and ministerial formation that transforms communities.
Chronology
1980
Biscayne College
1983
Biscayne College
1983
Biscayne College
1983
Biscayne College
1983
Institute for Pastoral Ministry (IPM) founded by President Fr. Patrick O’Neill, President of then-Biscayne College.
The Institute launches Biscayne College’s first master’s level program, M.A. in Pastoral Ministry.
The Institute’s first director is Cecelia Bennett.
Joseph Iannone becomes Director of IPM.
Mercedes Iannone serves as Director of the M.A. in Pastoral Ministry program through her 2013 retirement
Florida Center for Theological Studies (FCTS) founded through the New York Theological Seminary (NYTS)
Independent, Stand-alone, offers the M.Div. for those preparing for ministry in any Christian tradition
Rev. Mel Schoonover, 1983-1993 is the founder and president. FCTS is led by Fr. Patrick O’Neill from 1993-2010 when it is assimilated into the STM.
1984
Biscayne College renamed St. Thomas University under the presidency of Fr. Patrick O’Neill.
2000
1Fr. Patrick O’Neill, President of St. Thomas University, incardinated as a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami. St. Thomas University becomes an
archdiocesan university.
1988
The M.A. in Pastoral Ministries for the Deaf began and continued through 2010.
Funds raised by Mercedes Iannone covered all student tuition and all visiting professor costs. It was the only such degree in the world for the Deaf taught by the Deaf. Another IPM program is the Certificate in Loss and Healing.
1Fr. Patrick O’Neill, President of St. Thomas University, incardinated as a priest of the Archdiocese of Miami. St. Thomas University becomes an
archdiocesan university.
1993 The Florida Center for Theological Studies becomes fully independent of New York Theological Seminary.
Diane Shoaf, an FCTS graduate and Presbyterian pastor, is hired by FCTS through.
1993
1996
FCTS becomes an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools in June 1996.
2000
2006
Ph.D. program begins
2007
School of Theology and Ministry begins.
2008
Ph.D. program director Bryan Froehle begins as program director and full professor of practical theology
2020
M.Div. program created, M.A.P.M. program redesigned to provide building blocks for M.Div.
FCTS M.Div. students transfer to STU M.Div.
The School of Theology and Ministry became an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools
CETE South Florida is established!
The School of Theology and Ministry became an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools
2010