Bishop Michael A. Frencher (retired) has been appointed to be the A.M.E. Zion Bishop-in-Residence at Hood Theological Seminary, effective September 1, 2024.

As the A.M.E. Zion Bishop-in-Residence, he will teach, preach, advocate for the Seminary, and work with students as required.

Bishop Frencher is the 101^st Bishop in Succession of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and was elected at the 49^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Zion Church in July 2012. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and has pastored churches across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Bishop Frencher also taught at Hood Theological Seminary for 17 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit, a Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In 2013, he was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Hood-Speaks-Theological Seminary in Nigeria. He was the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Trustee Service Award which honors distinguished Alumni and Trustee Emeritus – Biship George E. Battle, Jr.

Hood Theological Seminary, located at 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive in Salisbury, NC, is a graduate and professional school sponsored by the A.M.E. Zion Church and approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. Its student body, faculty and staff currently comprise people from many different denominations. Hood's mission is to prepare women and men for bold and creative leadership for the Christian church for a diverse world.