Rev. Kathryn (Katie) Choy-Wong
Katie was honored as the 2023 recipient of the Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award at the 2023 American Baptist Churches Biennial Mission Summit. In addition, Katie serves on BST Board of Trustees as the Chair, and recently published a book called Building Lasting Bridges: An Updated Handbook for Intercultural Ministries. Katie is a retired pastor from New Life Christian Fellowship, an American Baptist church in Castro Valley, California.
Master of Theological Studies, 2024
Dr. Karen Cole-Smith
On May 18, 2024, Dr. Cole-Smith received two degrees from Berkeley School of Theology: Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies! Dr. Cole-Smith stated that the best aspect of her experience at BST was that it promoted the scripture Micah 6:8 by providing diverse educational, spiritual, and community experiences that ensured that she would be successful in carrying out the mandates to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” Dr. Cole-Smith was most recently the executive director of community outreach at Santa Fe College. Her prior education includes a bachelor’s degree in criminology and sociology from Bethune-Cookman University, master’s degree in sociology and criminology from Ohio State University and doctoral degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Florida.
Pastor Johnny Kashung
The service will be held at 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Alameda, led by fellow BST alum Rev. Karen Yee (’97), pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Castro Valley, California. This upcoming celebration follows the recognition of Johnny’s call by an ordination council of ABC-Central Pacific Coast region last fall which was convened by BST Board Chair Rev. Katie Choy-Wong (’80) and Board Secretary Rev. Steve Bils.
Beyond his pastoral leadership, Johnny continues his academic journey at BST as a current Doctor of Ministry student. Please join us in cheering him on as he begins this new chapter of ministry; we look forward to seeing his leadership continue to flourish!
Doctor of Divinity, 2022
Rev. Dr. Curtis Price
Curtis is Pastor at First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Curtis has over 20 years of experience as a pastor and has served at Salt Lake First Baptist Church for 14 years. Curtis’ DMin dissertation topic at BST is entitled Redeeming the Church: Healing and Reconciliation Between the LGBTQ Community and the Church.
Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter
We are delighted to spotlight Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter (M.Div., ’71) as he celebrates his 55th graduation anniversary from Berkeley School of Theology! Since his ordination in 1971, Arlo has led a career of profound impact and dedicated service within the American Baptist Churches.
Arlo began his ministerial journey as an Associate Minister and then Co-Pastor at First Baptist Church of Los Angeles. During his time in California, he also served the broader community as the vice chairman of a study committee for the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 1983, he transitioned to Green Lake, Wisconsin, to serve as the Vice President of Program for the American Baptist Assembly.
His leadership eventually led him to the role of Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin. Throughout his tenure, Arlo remained a prominent champion for regional growth and a reflective voice of the church. His commitment to the next generation also shines through his decades of leadership with National Youth Gatherings.
We take great pride in Arlo’s 55 years of ministry and his steadfast commitment to Christian education and leadership. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable legacy and his continued contributions to our community!
Master of Community Leadership, 2011
Doctor of Ministry, 2024
Rev. Dr. Michael A. Smith
Michael has been Pastor of the McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley California for 18 years. In 2014, he became the founding Executive Director of The Center for Food, Faith & Justice which serves as a faith-based non-profit arm of the church as a lead organization dedicated to the issues of environmental and food justice, health equity and economic development. His DMin dissertation topic was The Black Earth Theology Project: Toward Reconciliation and Care of God’s Creation.
