Lib Caldwell
APCE 2004 Educator of the Year

Elizabeth Caldwell (Lib) is the Harold Blake Walker Professor of Pastoral Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

Lib is a gifted leader teacher and a talented writer. Lib uses her creativity and wonderful sense of humor in many different ways. For those who are Harry Potter fans and remember 'the sorting hat', you would have loved how Lib used that book at an event she lead for the presbytery of Chicago. It was a wonderful thing to see educators wearing different party hats and Lib reminded all how God is the one who was the 'sorter' and placed us where we might wear different hats and be in different places in ministry!

Lib was born in Memphis and received the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rhodes College. She has studied at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and received a Master of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Northwestern University where she was in a joint program in religious and theological studies with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. In 1998, she was honored with the Doctor of Divinity degree from Rhodes College. Prior to her appointment at McCormick, Lib served as an educational consultant with three Presbyterian churches in northwest Alabama. She was also a Director of Christian Education in Memphis.

Lib has served on the cabinet of APCE and served as President of APCE from 1982-84. Lib has participated as a keynote speaker and workshop leader at APCE events. She has been a lecturer and leader at synod, presbytery and regional events.

She has made a most lasting impact in the field of Christian Education as a visionary and a pioneer. Under her leadership, several Chicago-area seminaries developed a Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education program. She is also an educator of educators. She is an advocate among her colleagues in theological education for continuing development of teaching methods and skills. She has served as a master-mentor to ever so many pastors and educators.

Lib has introduced to all the concept of education as homemaking - making a home for faith. Her books on nurturing children, youth and adults are a special gift to all. She cares deeply for those she teaches and that is a special gift.

Many have said that Lib lives her life in 'educated faithful companionship' with all she meets. Just as her ancestor Hulda Niebuhr - she wears well the mysterious mantle of faith.