JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 1, 2001 — 51社区 President David S. Dockery announced at the university鈥檚 Board of Trustees fall meeting Friday, Sept. 28, that the Department of Christian Studies will now be the School of Christian Studies.
In a special presentation at the beginning of the meeting, Dockery recognized James Patterson, professor of Christian Studies, who will serve as associate dean of the new school.
With more than 225 majors and 60 minors currently enrolled, Dockery stated that the area of Christian studies is one of the fastest growing and largest areas on Union鈥檚 campus.
鈥淭he growth of the Christian studies department coupled with the quality of scholars who have joined our faculty in recent years has created a special opportunity for our university,鈥� said Dockery. 鈥淏oth internally and externally, the expanded visibility will be valuable for the school.鈥�
Patterson, a widely recognized historian and published scholar who holds a Ph.D. from Princeton, will provide day to day administrative oversight for the school. George Guthrie, Perry Professor of Biblical Studies, will continue to serve as faculty chair.
The School of Christian Studies will be housed within the College of Arts & Sciences. For more information on the programs offered, contact the School of Christian Studies at (731) 661-5269.