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Alicia Vargas

Alicia Vargas, PhD

Dean of PLTS; Associate Professor of Multicultural and Contextual Studies

avargas@plts.edu
510-559-2736
PLTS

About

The Rev. Dr. Alicia Vargas is Dean and Associate Professor of Multicultural and Contextual Ministry Studies at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, a member of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California and a Graduate School of California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California. She served as a Jail and Prison Chaplain in several correctional facilities and previously, taught Spanish Theatre at St. Olaf and Vassar Colleges.  Dr. Vargas currently teaches Ministry Across Cultures, Public Ministry, and Spanish for Worship and directs individual student projects in jail/prison ministry and public ministry. She has published articles in the area of Mujerista Christology, and the book published by Augsburg Fortress: Como estudiar la Biblia/ How to Study the Bible.    

Ministry outlook 
Our multicultural God calls on the church to communicate the love of God in Christ—in, with, and under the rich diversity that embraces us all. Seminary days are brought to fruition as we teach, learn, and celebrate race, ethnicity and culture, one with another. Mutuality of experience intermingles with God’s divine presence; we’re prepared for great commission work in our diverse nation and world.

Brief Professional History

  • Dean of PLTS, 2012-present
  • Associate Professor of Multicultural and Contextual Studies, PLTS, 1997–present
  • Director of Contextual Education, PLTS, 2003–2012
  • Chaplain and Director of After-Care Program, Santa Clara County Corrections, 1996–2003
  • Interim Pastor, University Lutheran, Milpitas, 1995–1996
  • Adjunct Professor, PLTS, 1992–1996
  • Assistant Professor of Hispanic Literature, Vassar College, 1986–1991
  • Assistant Professor of Spanish Theatre, St. Olaf College, 1985–1986
  • Instructor, Spanish and Portuguese Dept., University of California, Irvine, 1980–1985

Select Special Service

  • Lecturer, “Biblical Interpretation,” lectures for Academia Luterana, ELCA’s Online Lay Leadership Academy
  • Member, Editorial Board, Dialog: A Journal of Theology
  • Presenter, “Adaptive Leadership” and “Ministry with Latinos,” Missional Academy, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA
  • Preacher/Forum leader, at numerous ELCA congregations in Region 2
  • Member, Steering Committee, ELCA’s Teaching Theologians of Color
  • Member, Advisory Board on Leadership Development for the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit, ELCA
  • Participant, Roundtable for Public Ministry of the ELCA
  • Advisor to Evangelism Team, ELCA
  • Presenter, Cabinet of Executives, ELCA
  • Member, Teaching Theologians of Color, ELCA
  • Member, Public Church in Public Life, ELCA
  • Member, Lutheran Social Services of Northern California
  • Presenter, Hispanic Lutheran Identity Consultation, ELCA
  • Lecturer, “Christ, Convicts and the Church,” Earl Lectures, PSR
  • Member, Word and Sacrament Discipling Team, Sierra Pacific Synod
  • Chair, Multicultural Commission, Sierra Pacific Synod
  • Member, Task Force for Building a Multicultural Curriculum, Vassar College
  • Member, Editiorial Board, Revista de estudios Hispánicos, Vassar College
  • Faculty Seminar on International Studies: Liberation Theology, Vassar College
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