Nascimento Named GBHEM’s Special Assistant for Global Education

Amos Nascimento, a native of Brazil and an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Washington, will serve as special assistant to the general secretary for global education and new initiatives at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Nascimento will succeed Ken Yamada, who will retire October 31 after 45 years of service in United Methodist higher education. Nascimento will begin work at GBHEM on Nov. 1.

“We are very fortunate to secure Dr. Nascimento, who has extensive and deep knowledge and experiences in multi-cultural and multi-language education and leadership development,” said the Rev. Kim Cape, GBHEM’s general secretary. “He grew up in a dedicated Methodist family in Brazil and his commitment to Methodist education and work of the GBHEM is extraordinary. I am confident that Dr. Nascimento will further strengthen and carry out The United Methodist Church’s mission in higher education in a substantive way.”

Dr. Nascimento received his undergraduate degree in music at Escuela de Musica Eduardo Carambula in Argentina, a Master of Arts in Sociology of Religion at Universidade Methodist de São Paulo, Brazil, and a Doctor of Philosophy at J. W. Goethe University in Germany. He did additional graduate studies in philosophy at Phillips University in Germany; ethics and political theory at University of Campinas in Brazil; and theological studies at ISEDET School of Theology in Argentina.

He has been involved in the work of GBHEM and has worked with Dr. Yamada as a consultant to the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development for several years. He serves as the Chair of the World Methodist Council’s Education Committee. Nascimento’s work at GBHEM will include helping create institutional partnerships between those in developed and developing nations, as well as seeking resources for the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development. That program aims to provide technical assistance in higher education governance and administration for the purpose of improving and strengthening Methodist schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools.

He will report directly to the general secretary and serve as a member of the executive staff.