Brite Alum to Lead Advancement’s Alumni Relations
Rev. Courtney Richards, M.Div ’96, hired as new Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Today, Brite welcomes Rev. Courtney Richards as the new Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications, where she will lead the effort to deepen relationships with Brite’s talented alumni community. As part of Brite’s Advancement team, Richards will keep alumni informed on Brite’s purpose and progress, expand opportunities for graduates, organize in-person and virtual events for graduates locally, regionally, and nationally, and more.
“Brite is thrilled to welcome Rev. Richards back to Brite to serve as Director of Alumni Relations,” said Dr. Dale Walker, Vice President for Advancement. “Brite’s graduates serve in many ways and many places. Collectively, they have vast experience in care and leadership and we want to learn from them and serve them better. We added Rev. Richards to our team to improve our communication with our graduates and build more robust connections with them.”
Richards is a lifelong Disciple and grateful graduate of Brite Divinity School (M.Div. ’96). Raised at First Christian Church, El Paso and ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Richards spent 25 years in congregational leadership in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Tulsa, Oklahoma; and most recently served as Communications and Development Manager at Week of Compassion.
“I am deeply honored and so excited to return to my alma mater, the place that shaped and prepared me for ministry; continues to nurture my leadership, vocation, and witness; and led me to the friends and colleagues I still hold close,” Richards said. “Brite grads have always been leaders in the church, the academy, and the world. I am grateful for the chance to serve in this new role, celebrating the gifts and graces of my colleagues and finding ways to bring those grads and Brite’s present and future closer together.”
Richards lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband Brad Lyons, where she loves tending a rapidly-expanding garden, planning the next road trip and playlist, trying new recipes, and being a bonus-mom to Blake, Summer, and Zoe.
Read Rev. Richards full bio here.
About Brite Divinity School
Founded in 1914, Brite Divinity School is one of the premier progressive theological institutions in the Southwest. Located on the Texas Christian University Campus in Fort Worth, Texas; Brite Divinity School prepares leaders by focusing on excellent scholarship, pastoral training, and spiritual development through ministerial and academic programs. Led by a transformative calling, Brite Divinity School seeks to educate and inspire people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and public life.