A powerful service to honor her lifelong contributions to the community and beyond
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February 2026 – Hundreds of Drew University students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in Craig Chapel and online to celebrate the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett T’00, G’05, T’11, Associate Dean for Vocation and Formation, Associate Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Vocation, and University Chaplain, with a service that embodied her legacy at Drew.
Bennett’s journey at Drew began at birth. Her father was a student at Drew Theological School and her first home was in the Tipple Complex on campus. When she was eight years old, her father returned to Drew as the University Chaplain, later the Dean of Students. She grew up attending events on campus—basketball games, communion services, and multi-faith gatherings. Drew was the place that formed her childhood and eventually shaped her vocation.
In 1997, as an active lay youth advisor seeking a single course to strengthen her ministry skills, Bennett was encouraged by the admissions director at Drew to take a fuller course load to qualify for a scholarship. Within a year, she was a full-time student, working in the Theological School Admissions Office and registered for ordination in the United Methodist Church. She proceeded to earn three degrees from Drew.
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“I think the 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—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,” said Bennett.
That vision was evident during her retirement celebration service, filled with prayer, song, readings, and words of affirmation offered by Theological School Dean Edwin David Aponte, Assistant Professor of Religion, Society, & Ecofeminism Elaine Nogueira-Godsey, and Associate Professor of American Religious Studies J. Terry Todd, with Associate Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Formation Gary Simpson presiding over the service in Bennett’s honor.
During the sermon, Simpson drew on Psalm 126 and its interpretation within the Jewish tradition, exploring restoration as a complex and interpretative theme. “Do not forget, dear friends, you are carrying the seeds of the restoration in you,” he said in closing. “Plant when the time is right, and we shall return singing songs of joy. And we who believe in the restoration, we who believe in freedom, shall not rest until it comes.”
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Several tributes testified to the lasting impact of Bennett’s leadership. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi offered gratitude for her years of servant leadership, praising her care, presence, and encouragement in shaping students as they discerned their calls. “We are deeply grateful for your commitment to nurturing others and for the gift you have shared with the church,” she said.
Alums Sooah Na T’17 and YK Jun T’18 reflected on Bennett’s role as a mentor, pastor, and advocate. Na spoke of Bennett’s collaborative leadership, her excellence in worship, and the way she embodied the practices she taught by singing alongside students in the choir, arranging the altar, and being a trusted and inspiring mentor. “She saw my potential,” said Na. “She encouraged me and she empowered me as a mentor. She had touched countless lives during her time here at Drew. And under her leadership, Drew became a more welcoming, caring, and affirming place, especially for students of color and international students like me.”
Jun recalled arriving at Drew from South Korea trying to navigate an unfamiliar culture and expectations, often questioning whether he belonged. Bennett’s recognition of his musical gift and encouragement helped him find his calling. “Your legacy is not only what you taught, but the people you empowered,” he said. “Because of your loving care, I learned to trust my own voice. I learned that my story, my culture, and my perspective are not obstacles to overcome, but gifts to bring into the community. And I know I’m not alone in this.”
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Professor of Church Music Mark Miller, a longtime collaborator and dear friend, reflected on their decades of shared ministry, music, and creativity—weekly chapel services, Summer Music Institute, Advent service, justice-centered liturgies, and music camp. With warmth and humor, he spoke of Bennett’s fierce advocacy, creative spirit, and her endless energy. “You have forever changed this place for the good,” he said. “Generations of students have found their roots here and been given courage to lead because of you. We have found you, a generous colleague who collaborates and challenges and fiercely advocates for the values we hold dear. For your passion, laughter, and bringing your whole self to all these places, we say thank you.”
As Drew bids farewell to the Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett in her formal roles, her legacy is woven throughout The Forest. As she enters this new season, the Drew community offers its deepest gratitude for her gifts, knowing the seeds she has planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
