The three-time alum, chaplain, professor, was a lifelong member of the school’s community
March 2026 – Drew University is saddened to announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett T’00, G’05, T’11.
Bennett retired from Drew this February as Associate Dean for Vocation and Formation, Teaching Professor of Public Theology and Vocation, and University Chaplain. Hundreds of Drew students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in Craig Chapel and online to celebrate her retirement.
Shortly after her official retirement, Drew’s Board of Trustees awarded Bennett faculty emeritus status.
“We are truly devastated at Tanya’s passing,” said President Hilary L. Link, PhD. “Tanya meant so much to Drew, and Drew meant so much to Tanya. We have missed her presence on campus and will continue to do so. Our thoughts are with her husband, Ken, her children, Caty, Liza, and Teddy, and her extended Drew family.”
“Tanya was inextricably ingrained in the very fabric of Drew Theological School,” added the Rev. Dr. Edwin David Aponte, Dean of Drew Theological School. “Whether it was in her role as chaplain, professor, mentor, colleague, or friend, Tanya put her heart and soul into this school and her many relationships within it, and all of us are the better for it.”
A lifelong relationship with Drew
Bennett’s time at Drew began at birth. Her father was a student at the Theological School when she was born, and her first home was in the Tipple Complex on campus. When she was eight years old, her family returned to Drew when her father became University Chaplain, and eventually Dean of Students.
Bennett grew up at Drew, attending sports, communion, and multi-faith events on campus.
Drew was not just a place Bennett called home, but one that shaped her vocation.
After graduating from Allegheny College, Bennett sought a course to strengthen her ministry skills as a lay youth advisor. Drew was the natural fit.
Bennett ended up taking a full course load, pursuing the first of what would become three degrees between the Theological School and Caspersen School of Graduate Studies—first a Master of Divinity, then a Master of Philosophy (Sociology of Religion), and finally a Doctorate in Religion.
When Bennett began her graduate studies at Drew, she also joined the Theological School staff as an admissions counselor. She held several subsequent positions in chapel services, and began her life in teaching as a teaching assistant in 1999. She joined Drew’s faculty in 2002 as an adjunct instructor.
Bennett family history repeated itself in 2006 when Bennett became University Chaplain and Director of the Chapel and Religious Life, several decades after her father had served as chaplain. She remained the University Chaplain until 2017, and served once again from 2019 until her retirement.
In 2013, Bennett joined Drew’s tenured faculty as an Associate Professor in the Practice of Ministry. In 2016, she earned the title of Associate Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Vocation, as well as Associate Dean of Formation and Vocation.
“[Drew’s] model of joining academics and ministry together is one that is compelling for me as it brings together my love of teaching and relationship to students,” reflected Bennett at her recent retirement celebration.
“Not only in the classroom, but also as they explore their faith, engage religion as a system of meaning-making, and consider how religion informs their identities as leaders in the world.”
What deeply compelled Bennett, in combination with her wonderful personality and inspiring spirit, shone through to her students, and indeed all those she impacted at Drew throughout her life.
A memorial service celebrating Bennett’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Morristown United Methodist Church.
