Berkeley Divinity School is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev’d Daniel Heischman, D.D., to the role of Associate Director of the Educational Leadership and Ministry (ELM) program.

The Rev’d Daniel Heischman recently retired from his position as Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), which he held from 2007 to 2022. Dan is the author of several books and articles, including Good Influence: Teaching the Wisdom of Adulthood and What Schools Teach Us About Religious Life.

Dan returns to Yale Divinity School, where he earned a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree in 1976. Dan also holds a B.A. from the College of Wooster, a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Cambridge, and a D.Min. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has received honorary doctoral degrees in divinity from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, Virginia Theological Seminary, and the University of the South in recognition of his contributions to Episcopal education. In 2006, he also received NAES’ John D. Verdery Award for outstanding service to Episcopal schools and the association.

Prior to his work with NAES, Dan held several leadership positions within the world of   Episcopal schools. Early in his career, Dan held the roles of Chaplain and then Assistant Headmaster of Trinity School, New York. He then served as Executive Director of the Council for Religion in Independent Schools (CRIS), which is now called the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE). From 1994 through 2003, Dan served as Head of the Upper School and Assistant Headmaster of St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. He then served as College Chaplain at Trinity College, Hartford, for four years prior to becoming Executive Director of NAES. He also teaches in the Doctor of Ministry program at Virginia Theological Seminary.

In reflecting on his appointment at Berkeley Divinity School, Dan observes, “This feels like a tremendous and natural fit, given my experience with schools and colleges. I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff at Berkeley Divinity School and Yale Divinity School, both places that have distinguished themselves through the years for their strong commitment to educational ministry.”