The Pacific School of Religion community mourns the passing of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Zikmund, former Dean of the Faculty and professor of church history at PSR, who died on August 18 at the age of 87. She served at PSR from 1981 to 1990 and leaves behind a profound legacy of scholarship, leadership, and advocacy for a more inclusive church.
Known throughout the church as “BBZ,” Barbara Brown Zikmund was a pioneering figure whose influence extended far beyond theological education. During her tenure at PSR, she became the first woman to serve as Dean of the Faculty, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations of women leaders in theological education.
Her trailblazing career included numerous historic firsts. She was among the first women ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1964, the first woman to teach at Chicago Theological Seminary, the first woman elected president of the Association of Theological Schools, and later became the first woman to lead Hartford Seminary as its president.
A distinguished historian, Zikmund devoted her career to ensuring that the church’s story reflected the full diversity of its people. Her editorial work on Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ and the seven-volume Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ brought overlooked voices and experiences into the center of the church’s historical narrative. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized stories reflects values that continue to shape PSR’s mission today.
In a message to the PSR community, David Vásquez-Levy, president of PSR, reflected on Zikmund’s impact:
“Barbara was a historian who believed the church could not know itself without hearing all of its voices. The conviction that the stories at the margins belong at the center is one that has been and remains at the core of PSR. I have personally greatly appreciated her insight, vision, and mentoring she offered freely to me in my leadership at PSR.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zikmund was remembered as a mentor, colleague, and faithful servant of the church whose scholarship and leadership helped transform institutions and inspire countless students, clergy, and educators.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Joseph Zikmund II; her son, Brian Zikmund-Fisher and daughter-in-law Naomi; her grandchildren, Eve Waters and Jade Zikmund-Fisher; and her sister, Shirley Beltz.
The PSR community joins with family, friends, colleagues, and the wider church in giving thanks for a life devoted to faith, scholarship, justice, and courageous leadership.
For additional reflections on her life and legacy, the United Church of Christ has published a tribute from General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson: Read the UCC tribute.
Photo courtesy of United Church of Christ.
