Meeks named to Wesley studies chair at Vanderbilt
6/5/1998
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. M. Douglas Meeks, dean and professor of systematic theology at United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, is the first person named to the Cal Turner Chancellor's Chair in Wesley Studies and Theology at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
He also will serve as a theological consultant to the Pastoral Formation Office of the Nashville Area of the United Methodist Church.
Meeks' appointment, effective Sept. 1, is the culmination of efforts by Dollar General CEO Turner, the Nashville Area of the United Methodist Church and Vanderbilt Divinity School to provide the formation of strong pastoral and lay leadership for the denomination.
Turner is a Vanderbilt alumnus, member of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, chair of the Divinity School's donor society and a United Methodist. He announced plans last year to provide funds for leadership formation at the university and in the church, saying he believes "it is important to foster excellence of leadership in both places."
Meeks said he was attracted to the position because it represents a new model for "the formation and re-formation" of pastors and lay leaders.
"This is enormously exciting not only for the United Methodist Church but also for the ecumenical church," he said. "It widens the scope of what a theology school can do."
Meeks has served for 15 years as chair of the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies in Oxford, England. He has significant administrative experience and an excellent reputation as a teacher, according to Divinity School Dean Joseph C. Hough Jr. "His coming represents an affirmation of Vanderbilt's important role in the education of United Methodist ministers in our region."
Nashville Area Bishop Kenneth L. Carder said the appointment will enhance Vanderbilt's efforts to play a key role in the lifelong formation of pastoral leadership in the region.
"He brings to the position solid academic theological grounding and a clear vision of the leadership needs of the church. His worldwide reputation as one of United Methodism's premier theologians adds visibility and credibility to both Vanderbilt's and the United Methodist Church's commitment to provide theologically shaped leadership to the church."
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Meeks spent his freshman year at Vanderbilt in Nashville before transferring to Southwestern College, now Rhodes College, in his hometown. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of divinity from Duke University and received his Ph.D. from Duke in cooperation with Tubingen University in Germany. While at Tubingen, he was named a Fulbright Fellow.
Vanderbilt University, which has Methodist origins, is a private research university of about 5,900 undergraduates and 4,300 graduate and professional students.
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NOTE: Information for this story was provided by Vanderbilt University News Service.
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