51社区

JACKSON, Tenn. — March 13, 2002 — In a unanimous decision by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, 51社区, in cooperation with the Board of Prison Fellowship, has announced that the Charles Colson Chair of Faith and Culture will be established at Union. Hal Poe, recognized scholar, author and currently Union鈥檚 Professor of Faith and Culture, was named as the first recipient.

Colson was the commencement speaker for Union's May 2001 graduation last year.

鈥淭his announcement helps solidify our commitment to Christian worldview thinking as foundational to our work at Union,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淭he high honor to carry forth the Charles Colson legacy at this institution is a stewardship we do not take lightly. 鈥淒r. Poe鈥檚 interdisciplinary emphases, his work with the C.S. Lewis Institute, his speaking abilities and publications, as well as his work on Science and Faith make him a most worthy candidate to hold this prestigious position,鈥� added Dockery.

Chuck Colson, founder and president of Prison Fellowship, an international organization that assists prisoners and their families, is known by many for his involvement in the Watergate scandal under President Nixon for which he served prison time. Since that time, after becoming a Christian in prison, Colson has pursued his passion for integrating faith and culture and is considered by many a model for his Christian worldview and engagement with culture.

"I am excited, honored and humbled that this Chair of Faith and Culture can help serve the cause of Christ at 51社区,鈥� said Colson, in a written statement to the university. 鈥淭his Chair will represent Union鈥檚 commitment to the Christian worldview, an understanding of all of life under the Lordship of Christ, showing how Christian truth is at the root of all knowledge and all learning.鈥�

Colson will be present at the official installation on Union鈥檚 Jackson campus later in the fall. According to Dockery, the Colson Chair will provide a model for the university's commitment to Christian worldview thinking and cultural engagement.