Dr. Chaitanya Motupalli has been named Brite's Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. Originally from India, Dr. Motupalli completed a BD (MDiv equivalent) at the United Theological College in Bangalore, India, an STM at Union Theological Seminary, New York and a PhD in Ethics and Social Theory at Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California. Before moving into the theological sphere, he earned a BSc in Seed Technology and an MSc in Ecology and Environmental Science. In the United States, he has worked in academic and ecclesial contexts for over a decade, serving as an Assistant Pastor, Director of Student Life and International Students and Scholars at GTU, and most recently as Associate Director of Laity Training in the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he is a certified candidate for ordination. Dr. Motupalli brings a strong capacity to facilitate Brite's curricular dynamics with a keen awareness of what's unfolding in theological education. His vocational experiences have socialized him to engage our faculty and staff while being adequately sensitive to student concerns - all these framed by a deep commitment to our mission, values, and ethos. Dr. Motupalli's first day on the job will be Tuesday, October 1, 2024.