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2024 Professor of the Year Keith Cates

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Columbia, S.C. — During a virtual graduation ceremony on Sunday, December 17, 2023 the Votaries Alumni Circle of Cherry Hill Seminary announced the winner of this year’s Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award. The recipient is Keith Cates, PhD, EdS, Dept. of Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy.

Cates (pictured at left) received his Ph.D. In Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University. Additionally he holds an Ed.S in Guidance and Counseling, an M.A. in Psychology, a B.A in Psychology and a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from the University of West Georgia. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has held state licensure in Georgia, Alabama and Alaska. He currently works in higher education and continuing adult education as faculty, clinical director, and consultant in the areas of assessment, accreditation and program curriculum development. His research has centered on non-mainstream and sub-cultural populations and his clinical practice has focused on working with Military, EMS, Fire and Police personnel and providing clinical supervision for counselors seeking licensure. He is a member of the Ordo Templi Orientis where he has served in the role of Bodymaster as well as worked with the OTO’s Psychology Guild to serve the pastoral counseling training needs of the OTO’s clergy.

From his student nomination we read, “Dr. Cates provided as each the opportunity to dig deeper into our own understanding, discuss it with each other and grow substantially from the interaction. We learned as much from each other as we did from him, but it was his facilitation process and class design that allowed that to be possible. . .The design of this class, and the facilitation method of this professor is one of the best that I have experienced so far.”

“To be nominated by the students for this award means everything to me,” said Cates. “A class can go from good to great with the involvement of the kind of students you find at Cherry Hill. These are the students that propel a class by asking deep and difficult questions, and promote a desire for learning that you hope to find in graduate classes. I have been fortunate to be a part of such classes. Thank you for this honor.” Nominations are submitted by students who have taken a course in the past year with their nominee; nominees are reviewed and voted on by the Votaries.

Also honored with the new Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education was Candace Kant, PhD, (pictured left) for her outstanding service to students in the past year. Kant holds  a Ph.D. in history from Northern Arizona University. She taught history, women’s studies, and religious studies courses at the College of Southern Nevada since 1976, including such classes as the History of Witchcraft, Goddess Traditions, Introduction to Modern Paganism, and Modern Pagan Thought, all of which she developed. After 32 years of teaching she retired and was awarded the title Emerita. She joined the faculty of Cherry Hill Seminary in 2009. Over the years she served as chair for the Department of Theology & Religious Studies, was Dean of Students from 2012 to 2018, and was Academic Dean from 2018 to 2021. A devotee of Sekhmet, Kant formerly served as a priestess at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality, participating in creating and leading rituals there. An active member of member of the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, Kant is often asked to speak to local groups on the topic of witchcraft and paganism.

“Working with Cherry Hill Seminary is the ultimate reward for long years in higher education,” said Kant.  The students, faculty and staff are absolutely the best.  My work with the Seminary has brought so many rewards and wonderful experiences.”

Both awards were part of a graduation ceremony recognizing the award of the Community Ministry Certificate to the following students: Gwen Armshaw, Christopher Deane, Ron Padron, Kerry Robinson, Heather Westenhofer, and Jenny Zappala.

Addressing the group of students, Holli Emore, MDiv, said, “To our new CMCs, we affirm the value of the work that each of you has chosen to undertake, the preparation that you have put into your training, and the honest self-examination which have brought you to this achievement. Our spiritual path is often very different to those in other religions. Each of you will make your own unique journey from this point. We give you our blessing and send you from here with our unwavering support of you in your life’s work, in whatever form you create.”

Each of the students spent at least fifteen months of self-study accompanied by a faculty-mentor. The program covers ethics; Pagan history and theology basics; creating and leading ritual; diversity & cultural understanding; personal spiritual development; serving people at various life stages; group leadership; family dynamics; addictions; domestic violence issues; teaching and presenting; developing your allies & more. (More info here)

Click to view a recording of the ceremony, including keynote remarks by Academic Dean, Margot Wolfe, PhD.

Votaries Alumni Circle is a membership group which supports and promotes the Seminary, provides social events for members, and sponsors programs like the Coming to the Center public livestreamed program each semester. Its selection of the Professor of the Year is a several-months long process and a highlight of the year.

About the Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award

Sponsored by the CHS Votaries Alumni Circle, this prestigious award is presented annually to one deserving faculty member who has demonstrated teaching excellence in the classroom and a commitment to spiritual growth for students. Nominations are accepted throughout the calendar year until Thanksgiving weekend, and the award is announced and presented at a special online event early in the new year following.

Honoring Academic Dean Emerita Wendy Griffin

As Cherry Hill Seminary’s first permanent Academic Dean, Wendy Griffin, Ph.D., and Academic Dean Emerita, brought to our seminary a dedication to academic integrity and a devotion to Pagan and Nature Spirituality. She was an academic pioneer in the study of Goddess Spirituality and Wicca, and served in the American Academy of Religion and on the editorial board of The Pomegranate: the International Journal of Pagan Studies. By the time she retired in 2018, Griffin had inspired students and colleagues alike with her intellect, skills and engagement.

Cherry Hill Seminary | 2024 Year In Review

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For Cherry Hill Seminary, 2024 was a year of steady growth, continued system improvements, and celebration of our students’ and faculty members’ accomplishments. The following is a summary of key achievements.

Programs

Our programs—the courses we offer and our degrees and certificates—are the core of who we are as a Seminary. As a business, they are our product; as a religious education organization, they are our outreach and gift to the world. Ensuring the integrity of our programs is critical for serving our students, who are the reason Cherry Hill Seminary exists.

Margo Wolfe, Ph.D., Dept. of Theology & Religious History

Our Academic Dean, Margo Wolfe, PhD, reports that 2024 was a year of meaningful alignments and growth. The three Master of Divinity programs thoughtfully reviewed their course requirements and offerings, aligning them more closely with our students’ evolving needs. These refinements provide clearer pathways to success, fulfillment, and deeper engagement. These updates are reflected in the newly revised student handbook, with corresponding changes being incorporated into Populi, our learning management system.

We also expanded the resources for thesis preparation, offering stronger support for those approaching the final stages of their degree journey. These enhancements are outlined in the updated handbook to guide faculty and students better.

In a spirit of collaboration, Cherry Hill Seminary entered into conversation with United Theological Seminary, laying the groundwork for shared courses that foster interfaith dialogue and broaden the classroom experience for all students. We are excited about the possiblities this opens up for partnerships with other schools.

The Spiritual Direction Certificate third cohort proceeded through most of their second year in the (two-year) program. (A fourth cohort begins in March 2025.) The first class of the Certificate of Writing as a Spiritual Practice completed their program and produced an anthology of work (Hypatia Dreaming) from their year-long immersive studies with Rev. Diane Cacciato. A second group will begin in 2025.

The Community Ministry Certificate (CMC) continues to fill an important need for non-graduate education, training, and spiritual development for grassroots leaders. They are individually mentored for thirteen months by one of our eight faculty-mentors.

Dana Doerksen, MLIS, has provided valuable coordination for library information services for the past year. She conducts periodic training seminars for students and faculty and writes a column for the newsletter. Ms. Doerksen is also the point of contact for individual student and faculty requests.

The Coming to the Center podcast continues to hold one interview each semester with thought leaders, scholars, and experts in Pagan spirituality. The programs are free and open to the public. Guests in 2024 included Padraic Fitzgerald and Chas Clifton. Spiritual Direction Certificate (SpiDir) Coordinator and faculty member Rev. Amy Beltaine continues to host A Spiritual Feast, a twice-monthly online ritual open to all, with a committee of students and others.

Prison chaplains and others continue to contact the seminary regularly inquiring about resources for their Pagan inmates; mail from inmates is now referred to CrowMoon Ministries as the Seminary has phased out the Pagan Life Academy printed and mailed lessons.

A total of 99 registrations were received for the following courses, which were offered in 2024:

Psychology of Religion and Paganism

Pagan Apologetics

Children, Youth & Teens in Contemporary Paganism

The Pagan Revival

Magical Fiber Arts

Practicing Deep Ecology

The Art and Craft of Sacred Speech-Homiletics

Heathenry

Successful Pagan Groups-The Long Haul

Slow Stitching as a Spiritual Practice

Research Design and Methodology

Nonprofit Management

Introduction to Chaplaincy & Pastoral Counseling

The Faery Faith: Meeting our extraordinary cousins

Santa Muerte Death Magick

Weather Witchery: connecting to our inner weather witch

Students

Mason Davenport of the Washington, DC area began as our new Student Services Coordinator. Mason’s work greatly enhances our ability to serve both students and faculty and expands our utilization of Populi software.

At the close of the year, thirteen students were pursuing a graduate degree, twenty-one a Community Ministry Certificate, eleven a Spiritual Direction Certificate, and many students or guests signed up for individual Insights and other courses. Four students received their Certificate of Writing as a Spiritual Practice.

Volunteers

The Seminary has always relied heavily on the selfless support of gifted volunteers. Our department chairs, librarian, and marketing coordinator are all volunteer positions. One could also say that our staff offer considerable volunteer talent since their salaries continue (at this time) to fall far below what they might earn in similar positions at other institutions. We are profoundly grateful for this group’s invaluable contributions.

We especially appreciate our Seminary Librarian, the Votaries Alumni Circle, the Board of Directors, and the Advisory Council, which is available to leadership and staff who have specific questions related to a Council member’s expertise. The Votaries Alumni Circle remains a vital link between graduates and the ongoing life of the Seminary.

Last year, the Votaries awarded the fifth annual Wendy L. Griffin Professor of the Year Award, choosing Rev. Diane Cacciato for this honor. Students in Cacciato’s writing program were especially impressed with her close attention to their work, willingness to spend time outside of class with individuals, and, most of all, her strong positive affirmation and encouragement.

During the same December ceremony, the Seminary gave Dr. Jeffrey Keefer the Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education in recognition of his lifetime of service to higher education, especially his long dedication to Cherry Hill Seminary. Executive Director Holli Emore said in presenting the award, “Occasionally, there is someone who has so enriched the life of our Seminary, who has exemplified our ideals of scholarship combined with service to others, that we are compelled to recognize that person’s unique contributions.”

For the third year in a row, our students served as volunteer chaplains on duty in a Memorial Room the Seminary has created at Mystic South Pagan conference in Atlanta in July. When the conference restarted after a several-year hiatus because of COVID, CHS was asked to provide this service, knowing that many were still grieving the loss of loved ones and the changes caused by the pandemic.

A special altar in a quiet room holds a sort of tabletop “tree” onto which visitors may tie a strip of cloth in remembrance of a loved one or for a special prayer.

A register allows them to enter the name of the one being remembered and any special messages. The volunteer chaplain is simply nearby, holding space for visitors but available should someone wish for support.

In 2025, we will return with the Memorial Room, graciously staffed by our trained students.

Systems

Late in 2024, the Board of Directors asked the Executive Director to hire an outside consultant in early 2025 to redesign our main website. Our Student Services Manager, Mason Davenport, continues to help us move forward in effective use of our Populi student system.

Governance

The Board of Directors met monthly to review Seminary business, examine and receive financial and other reports, and discuss matters deemed important for board consideration.

Our budget reflects the board’s attention to both operations and programming. Although staff direct and are in charge of daily management decision-making, board members bring considerable expertise to their board service; they often advise the director, e.g., on budgeting, program strengthening, accreditation application preparation tasks, or marketing.

Contributions

Donors continue to provide about twenty percent of the Seminary’s annual budget. In 2024, that was $19,279 from 73 donors. Fundraising not only brings in critical funds but also engages individuals who give, empowering them to be part of our service to the wider communities of our students.

A View of 2025

In the year ahead, Cherry Hill Seminary looks forward to welcoming a growing number of students to each of our programs.

We are actively building faculty capacity, strengthening infrastructure described above, and developing our leadership. Our new website and logo will roll out in late spring 2025.

Our vision of the future is to continue our work towards accreditation while providing the best possible education to serve the spiritual needs of Pagans and other Nature-Based Spiritualities.

For more information about Cherry Hill Seminary, visit us at www.cherryhillseminary.org.

Samhain Kispum: A Ritual for the Honored Dead on Oct 30, 2025

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This Samhain, as the veil thins and shadows stir, join us in sacred remembrance.
Step into the ancient rhythm of Kispum, a 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian ritual of ancestor veneration that bridges worlds.

In this immersive rite, Silent, Pagan priest, student of Spiritual Direction at CHS, and end-of-life doula, will guide us through a ceremonial act of libation and love, honoring our dead not with mourning, but with memory, presence, and reverence.

With water poured and names spoken, we nourish the spirits who walk beside us still. Dressed in garments meaningful to your ancestors—be it a ritual robe or a well-worn shirt once shared—bring a candle, a vessel of water, and your stories. This is not just a ritual. It is communion across the veil, a thread woven through time.

Hosted by Cherry Hill Seminary, this Samhain Kispum is a living ritual of connection, a declaration that love does not end—it transforms.

Come. Speak their names. Pour the libation. Be the bridge.

If you cannot attend in person, email the beloved dead’s name, your relationship to them, and their favorite libation. Send the email to chs@cherryhillseminary.org. Click to register for Zoom link.

Announcing Ordination for Cherry Hill Seminary Graduates

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Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary will accept applications for Seminary ordination its program graduates, by vote of the Board of Directors.

Board Chair Dana Doerksen said, “Cherry Hill Seminary is proud to establish a clear path to ordination, ensuring that our graduates’ rigorous education and formation are recognized in a way that reflects their study and preparation. This initiative affirms our commitment to preparing qualified Pagan clergy who will serve their communities with integrity and professional accountability.”

Cherry Hill Seminary students who have received their Master of Divinity degree, Community Ministry Certificate, or Spiritual Direction Certificate are eligible to apply for ordination by the Seminary. Ordination signifies a commitment to serving others using the knowledge and skills gained in these programs, as well as demonstration of personal integrity, and approval by the Clergy Review Committee.

The Clergy Review Committee is composed of experienced ministers from our faculty and is independent from Seminary administration. It will meet twice yearly, as needed, to review applicants. Applicants must be interviewed by the committee. Those accepted will be ordained in a virtual ceremony by the Seminary.

Applicants who have received their Community Ministry Certificate must also complete an additional month of supervised internship with a local organization. Their CMC faculty-mentor will guide them through placement in and completion of that internship. A key element of all applications is agreement with the Cherry Hill Seminary Clergy Ethical Code.

Rev. Dr. Robert Patrick, a faculty member who also serves on the Ordination Review Committee noted, “Pagan practitioners are very often solitary and not part of a highly organized community. They may be associated with international organizations without a local affiliate. For Cherry Hill Seminary to become an ordaining institution means that it embodies the needed spiritual community that stands behind the act and practice of ordained ministry.”

Those wishing to apply may find more detailed information at this link, including an application form. Applicants will be reviewed twice annually, and must apply for renewal every five years.

Cherry Hill Seminary serves Pagan and Nature-based communities by providing transformative education and empowering students to advance academically and lead spiritually. For more information contact CHS@cherryhillseminary.org, or leave a voice mail at 1-803-862-9088.