The Rev. Dr. Meredith Hoxie Schol, a Madison resident who has spent eight years at Drew University, is the new dean of Drew Theological School.

The role took effect July 1. Drew President Hilary L. Link announced the appointment on Thursday, Aug. 20, calling Hoxie Schol the ideal leader to guide the school forward, according to Drew's announcement.

Hoxie Schol joined Drew in 2018 as director of doctoral studies and assistant teaching professor of religious education and leadership. She also holds the title of associate dean of theological and professional education and reports to Ryan Hinrichs, Drew's dean of the faculty and chief academic officer.

Her local roots run deep. Hoxie Schol lives in Madison with her husband, the Rev. Mark Schol, lead pastor of The United Methodist Church in Madison. Their two daughters attend Madison public schools.

"Drew Theological School's commitments to justice and courageous leadership have always inspired me," Hoxie Schol said in the announcement. "In this new leadership role, I am honored to advance the mission and values of the Theological School as we prepare and support the next generation of global faith leaders."

Before joining Drew, she served as director of communication and research at The Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church and taught at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she earned her PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies. She is an ordained Deacon in full connection in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church and most recently served as president of the Association for Doctor of Ministry Education.

At Drew, Hoxie Schol led the redesign of the Courageous Leadership Doctor of Ministry cohort, which launched in summer 2026.

She succeeds the Rev. Dr. Edwin David Aponte, who served as dean since 2022. Under Aponte's leadership, the Theological School completed reaccreditation with the Association of Theological Schools and secured a $1 million Lilly Endowment grant announced in October 2025 to support the "Draw the Circle Wide" program for pastoral leaders. Aponte will take a sabbatical during the 2026-27 academic year before returning to the faculty as the James W. Pearsall Professor of Religion and Culture.

The school, located at 36 Madison Avenue, enrolls 349 students and employs 23 full-time faculty, according to fall 2025 ATS data. It is accredited in good standing, with its next comprehensive review scheduled for fall 2031.

Drew has not announced a public investiture or community welcome event. Hoxie Schol's first semester leading the Theological School begins this fall.