Svennungsen’s Legacy:

Fund Has Entered New Era of Momentum

FTE President Ann Svennungsen Accepts Call

to Lead Texas Lutheran University

ATLANTA, April 24, 2007 -- After leading The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) into a
new era of momentum and promise, Fund President Ann Svennungsen has accepted a call to
serve as President of Texas Lutheran University, effective July 1, 2007.

“Under Ann’s leadership, FTE has flourished,” said Fund Board Chair Gary Simpson. “Every
success indicator—from programs and partners to a highly capable professional staff—marks a
new era of momentum, accomplishment and promise for the Fund’s work.”

Over the past four years, Svennungsen has led the Fund’s achievement of new milestones,
including expanded programs, increased financial support to Fellows, strengthened partnerships
and a growing national network of support for gifted and diverse young people pursuing vocations
in pastoral ministry and theological scholarship. Major grants from funding partners have also
enabled new initiatives with youth and congregations nationwide, including FTE’s Calling
Congregations initiative funded by Lilly Endowment.

“I’m confident that the Fund’s work will continue to flourish,” President Svennungsen said. “FTE
has incredibly talented leadership at the staff and Board levels. The organization is poised to
deliver even greater results on its mission to support the next generation of leaders for the church.”

A Presidential Search Committee chaired by FTE Trustee Jack Wall, senior pastor at Old St.
Patrick’s Church in Chicago and president of the Catholic Church Extension Society, will seek
Svennungsen’s successor. The committee expects to present its recommendation by the end of
2007. In the interim Dr. Sharon Watson Fluker, vice president for Doctoral Programs and
Administration, will assume additional oversight for Fund operations, and Melissa Wiginton, vice
president for Ministry Programs and Planning, will direct relations with external constituencies.

The Fund for Theological Education is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity
in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among
pastors and scholars, annually providing $1.2 million in fellowships and a network of support for
gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds.

FTE is also a resource for educational and faith communities, offering programs that encourage
high-quality candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching. Since 1954, it has awarded
nearly 6,000 fellowships in partnership with others committed to the future of quality leadership for
the church. More information about FTE is available on the Web at www.thefund.org. Media may
also contact Kerry Traubert, Director of Communications, (404) 727-1170.

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