Mark Blankenship, Vice President of Advancement for Lexington Theological Seminary, has announced his plans to retire July 31, 2026.
Mr. Blankenship has served LTS for fourteen years and has given leadership to the Seminary’s overall fundraising program, including the Ministerial Education Fund, the Infinite Table Campaign, and the Equipping Leaders for Ministry Campaign. He has also provided leadership for alumni relations and church and community outreach. He works with the President and executive leadership to address issues of institutional governance. He is a valuable member of the President’s leadership team and will be missed by the LTS community.
In reflecting upon his time at LTS, Mr. Blankenship said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this historic Seminary. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and the entire LTS community. I could not have imagined, when I began this journey, the many blessings it would bring to me and the Seminary.”
Mr. Blankenship’s appointment began in November 2011. He previously served in a variety of advancement roles in admissions, alumni relations, and fundraising for his alma mater, Transylvania University, since 1983.
Mr. Blankenship is a founding member of Twin Pines Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lexington, KY. He has actively participated in the life of the congregation as has his three children and spouse, Kim. Mr. Blankenship serves as a Sunday morning teacher and elder for the congregation. His past roles range from congregational board chair to deacon and committee leadership.
Professionally, Mr. Blankenship is a member of the Association of Theological Schools Development Officers, Council for the Advancement of Education, Charitable Gift Planners, Central Kentucky Planned Giving Council and the Board of Directors, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Bluegrass Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is also on the Board of Trustees for the Cane Ridge Meeting House. He graduated from Transylvania University with a B.A. in Psychology in 1981 and the University of Kentucky with an M.S. in Educational Policy Analysis in 1992.
The search for the incoming Vice President of Advancement will begin in October 2025. Should you have any questions, please direct them to President Charisse L. Gillett at cgillett@lextheo.edu.
Mark,
I am the chairman of a search committee for two Disciples of Christ churches in western Iowa that have been successfully yoked for 35 years. I just left you a voice mail and realize you are out of the office. I was checking to see if there is a way to get our information regarding our need for a full-time minister in front of any current students far enough along in their program to have an interest. Thank you so VERY much for any help you can pass on. We are working with our regional office but as you are not surprised to hear the candidates are few and far between. God Bless and Happy Retirement 712-592-3214