Saint Paul School of Theology welcomed Dr. Don Compier as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at the beginning of the 2011 seminary year. Compier comes passionate about the position. "I have a strong sense of call; that I should be in this place right here/right now. I want Saint Paul to be a voice of sister/brotherhood in this area," he said.

Prior to coming to Saint Paul, Compier was the founding Dean of the Community of Christ Seminary, Graceland University from 2002 until 2011. From 1992 to 2001 he taught systematic theology and interdisciplinary doctoral studies at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. He also taught in the department of religion at Emory University. Compier received his Ph.D. in Theological Studies from the Graduate School of Religion at Emory University; an MA in Religion form Park College and a BA from the University of the Pacific where he majored in Religion and European History. He did graduate studies in Mexican history at Princeton University and the University of Texas.

"Dr. Compier brings a wealth of theological education experience, a deep love for the church, and strong roots based in Kansas City and Oklahoma City," said Saint Paul School of Theology President, Dr. Myron McCoy. "In Don, we have a new team member who is committed to helping both the seminary and the church navigate and be responsive to the changing demographics of the mission field."

Fluent in Spanish and Dutch, Compier has personally taught and consulted with other theological educators in Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Chile, Zambia, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Wales, England, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and the French Polynesia. He traveled to Ecuador this past September as an expert consultant on liberation theology for the Episcopal House of Bishops. "I am concerned with diversity and inclusion," he said. "I want the seminary to be a bridge for all cultures." Dr. Compier is especially encouraged by the Saint Paul student immersions overseas. "It's important for our students to get a broader perspective."

Compier is an Episcopalian with very strong ties to the Wesleyan tradition. "John Wesley was an ordained clergyman in the Episcopal tradition. As an Anglican, I really like Wesleyan theology. I have tremendous respect for how it affects a number of traditions," said Compier. He is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and will be ordained this coming June.

Don Compier went to a United Methodist youth group growing up, and later attended Emory and Nazarene seminaries where he had mentors like Don Saliers and Rebecca Chopp (MDiv '77). "Since Wesleyan theology has had such a direct impact on my life, I've always wanted to give back to the tradition," he said. "I believe that Saint Paul School of Theology needs to maintain its United Methodist identity while always reaching out to other denominations."

Dr. Compier is also Professor of Constructive Theology at Saint Paul. He has published more than fifteen peer-reviewed scholarly articles in the field of theology and religion. He is the author of John Calvin's Rhetorical Doctrine of Sin (Edwin Mellen Press, 2001) and What is Rhetorical Theology? Textual Practice and Public Discourse (Trinity Press International, 1999). Empire and the Christian Tradition (Augsburg Fortress Press) edited with Kwok Pui Lan and Joerg Rieger was named best reference work published in 2007 by the Academy of Parish Clergy. He has served as a member of the select Workgroup on Constructive Christian Theology since 2000.

In his spare time Don Compier is an avid soccer fan. He enjoys popular music, books, and television. He and his wife Yola are worldwide travelers with a multitude of stamps in their passports.