LEXINGTON, Ky.—President R. Owen Williams announced today a 21st-century focused interreligious program for Transylvania University’s campus ministry.
“In the spirit of our pioneering history, we envision a new model of campus ministry,” said Williams. “We will continue to affirm our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) heritage of religious and intellectual diversity while preparing students to live and lead in a global world.”
Transylvania recently completed a 10-year theological project on exploration of vocation funded by a Lilly Endowment, Inc., grant. During that time, the Reverend Dave Carr, a 1981 graduate of Transylvania, served as campus minister and was an integral leader of the Lilly grant program.
“The transformations that took place as a consequence of the Lilly program were an informative time in Transylvania’s history, and Dave’s role was significant,” said Williams. “We are extremely grateful to him for his decade of service to our students and alumni.”
Transylvania is now shifting toward an interfaith dialogue and seeks new leadership to shepherd diverse initiatives.
“We want all of our students to know and experience the history and practices of other religious traditions and interact with people of differing faith communities so they can be informed and proactive leaders living in our pluralistic religious environment,” said Michael Vetter, vice president and dean of students.
The Reverend Nancy Jo Kemper, a 1964 graduate of Transylvania, will serve as interim associate dean of interreligious life for the 2011-12 academic year. She will also assist a committee, appointed by President Williams, in developing initiatives for the new position and program. The associate dean will serve as a chaplain for students, faculty and staff, be the adviser for faith-based student organizations and implement and oversee the new model of ministry.