Dean Sarah B. Drummond is pleased to announce that JaQuan Beachem, Andover Newton and Yale Divinity School Class of 2021, will succeed Emily Bruce in directing Andover Newton Seminary at YDS’s community spiritual life, beginning July 1. JaQuan currently serves as Convener of Andover Newton’s Student Steering Committee and holds numerous leadership roles within the YDS Community. JaQuan is a graduate of Bard College with a background in theater and music. He hails from the Atlanta area in Georgia. JaQuan is a Member-in-Discernment in the New Haven Association of the United Church of Christ. 

 

Emily Bruce has served Andover Newton since 2019. She was the first person to graduate with an Andover Newton diploma in conjunction with a YDS Master of Divinity. Her two-year commitment serving as campus minister to the Andover Newton community coincided with a two-year internship at the Unitarian Universalist Area Church in Sherborn, MA. Among her many achievements in this role, Emily co-founded the Upper Zoom small group ministry that provided support and encouragement to students adjusting to virtual divinity school during Covid-19. She will be ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on June 5th.

 

In his ministry at Andover Newton at YDS, JaQuan will coordinate worship and provide pastoral care, including Thursday’s Emmaus and new small-group ministries. Sarah writes, “JaQuan knows this community by-heart, but much will change when he takes on the role of spiritual leader. His warmth, intelligence, and creativity will enrich Andover Newton as we begin to emerge from a season of physical isolation into yet another new leg on our seminary’s journey. I cannot wait to find out what God has in store for us in this next phase of Andover Newton’s life together!”