Influential Woman · Education

Elizabeth Hinson Hasty

J. Roy Davis Family Chair of Theology and History, Union Presbyterian Seminary

Charlotte, NC

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree William Jewell College Degree Liberty Degree Missouri Degree Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Degree PhD from Union Presbyterian Theological Seminary Cert PhD from Union Presbyterian Theological Seminary Cert Certificate in Economics from GEM School (World Council of Churches) Member Society of Christian Ethics Member American Waldensian Society (Board Member) Member American Academy of Religion

Her Story

About Elizabeth

My journey into education was really out of a sense of call to help form people and impact social change. I had been involved in social ministry for 3 years, and my sense of call was really to address some of the poverty and wealth inequalities that I witnessed through that kind of work. Going into education was an intentional effort to help form leaders that would also be involved in addressing those inequalities. Today, I educate religious leaders who pursue graduate degrees in theology, ethics, and practical ministry skills. Many will go on to serve congregations primarily in the Southeast and across the nation, while others lead nonprofits or serve as chaplains in hospitals, making a broad impact through their professional education. I've also done extensive research, consulting, and public speaking in a variety of contexts including congregational settings, universities, colleges, and nonprofits. I've had collaborative partnerships with organizations like the Metro United Way to train leaders in nonprofit organizations. What I'm most proud of is collaborative leadership and being able to make an impact through encouraging people to work together, not only through grassroots efforts but with the intention of embodying mutuality, reciprocity, and shared partnership in their leadership of different organizations, helping them be the change they want to see in the world.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Elizabeth

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My dad taught me something very early on in my career that has always been very important to me, and I think it's particularly important for women leaders. That is, you don't exist to be liked, but you do exist to be respected. I think that women leaders often have a challenge there, because socially, we are taught that we should always be liked, and that that is what is going to help expand our influence, our reach, and the work that we're doing. If you're really engaged in leadership, you're going to find moments in life where that's not the case, and so you need to have that kind of sense of wisdom. That has been incredibly formative for me. He also always said, keep on, keep going.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say seize the day and be intentional about taking opportunities. Don't be afraid to step out of the box that people often put you in. My dad taught me something that I think is particularly important for women leaders: you don't exist to be liked, but you do exist to be respected. Women leaders often have a challenge there, because socially, we are taught that we should always be liked, and that that is what is going to help expand our influence and reach and the work that we're doing. If you're really engaged in leadership, you're going to find moments in life where that's not the case, and so you need to have that kind of sense of wisdom. Keep on, keep going.

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