Two-time alum and long-time adjunct professor
June 2026 – Drew Theological School is mourning the loss of the Rev. Dr. William Presnell T’65,’76, who passed away on June 13. He was 91 years old.
Presnell earned both a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Drew. He then continued a long term role serving as an adjunct professor at Drew, teaching courses in the MDiv and DMin programs.
“The positive influence of Rev. Dr. Bill Presnell spans across decades of our life together as the Drew community,” said Director of Doctoral Studies Meredith Hoxie Schol. “Bill was one of the first people to come and meet with me when I was newly appointed to direct the DMIN program at Drew. He was incredibly generous, exceedingly knowledgeable, and clearly dedicated to the mission of Drew Theological School. I have no doubt that his teachings and influence on our students continues to inspire so many of the alumni he mentored throughout his years at Drew. His legacy will continue through the leaders he helped form for ministry and service.”
An ordained minister with the United Methodist Church, Presnell served three parishes in northern New Jersey as a pastor from 1965-1979. He was also a licensed marriage and family therapist and practiced in Madison, New Jersey, until he retired in 2020.
He also served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman and electronics technician aboard a twelve-person seaplane.
In addition to his degrees from Drew, Presnell earned a Master of Theology in Pastoral Counseling from Princeton University and a BA from the University of Illinois.
Click here for information on visitation and funeral services of the Rev. Dr. William Presnell.
