Dean of Religious Life
Presbyterian College is pleased to announce the establishment of The Cornelson Center for Christian Practice and a position to lead this undertaking: The Dean of Religious Life.
The establishment of the Center builds on a long and distinguished tradition at Presbyterian College of exploring the relationship between the Christian faith and the liberal arts, preparing students for Christian vocations, and a broad and systemic commitment to engagement with the world community. Several hallmark programs inform the scope of the Center's purpose and content:
- Blue Fish: an interdenominational, campus ministry internship program that engages students in leading all aspects of campus worship, bible study, religious retreats, and the like.
- Celtic Cross: a groundbreaking, leadership development program for PCUSA students designed to expose them to the rewards and challenges of Christian vocation.
- CHAMPS: an innovative and faith based program to develop the potential of area youth for success in public schools, higher education, and citizenship.
- Student Volunteer Services (SVS): a comprehensive and well-established service program that supports students in serving the local community and the College's mission: Dum Vivimus Servimus -- While we live, We serve.
- The Marshall and Lillian Brown International Studies Program: an umbrella program that supports study abroad and fosters examinations of our place in the cultural and religious diversity of American society and the world community.
- Department of Religion and Philosophy: an academic commitment to providing grounding for all students in scripture through a general education requirement for the study of Old and New Testament; a well rounded major and minor in religion, Christian education, and philosophy; and well developed ministry related internships and pre-ministerial career counseling.
- Conferences and Outreach: an ongoing commitment to provide resources for the church: conferences, lectures, guest preachers, and use of College facilities. Similarly, the College has from inception engaged the PCUSA in supporting the priorities of the College.
Central aspects of these longstanding strengths will be centralized under the supervision of the Dean of Religious Life. Broadly stated, these will include all of the campus minisntry and leadership development programs and those programs that provide outreach support to the church and local community. The academic program components are under the supervision of the Provost. Further, the Dean will be charged with developing for the Center additional programs, internships, conferences, etc. to dynamically and faithfully serve the church in this era of global Christianity.
The Dean will report to the President of the College and supervise the Director of Church Relations, the Director of Campus Ministries and Service Programs, and the Director of CHAMPS. An administrative assistant will support the work of the Dean and the three Directors. The Dean will assist the Director of Church Relations in public relations work with the PCUSA and related fundraising priorities as specified in the Covenant between the college and the Synod of South Atlantic, PCUSA.
The ideal candidate will have a BA/BS from a liberal arts college and a terminal degree in an applicable field. Pertinent experience related to the mission of the Center will be essential and includes: a minimum of 7 years in the supervision of two or more professional staff, employment in a PCUSA church as a senior / associate pastor or church educator and/or as a Presbytery or Synod executive. In addition to having responsibility for the oversight and development of the Center, the Dean will be expected to teach one course each semester (Old and / or New Testament). Thus, the successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in the teaching of this subject matter. The Dean will be provided a home adjacent to the campus as part of the compensation package.
Those interested in this position should submit a letter of application and the names of three references to: Ms. Barbara Fayad, Director of Human Resources, 503 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325 Materials and applications received before December 1, 2009 will receive first consideration. This will be a national search that will continue until an experienced and dynamic leader is hired for this position. The start date for employment is July 1, 2010.