Dr. West will return to Union Theological Seminary in July 2012 as Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practices
Union Theological Seminary to provide a platform for Dr. West’s unique combination of religion with political activism
New York, NY —November 16, 2011—Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, announced today that Dr. Cornel West, one of America’s most influential civil rights activists, authors, commentators and scholars will rejoin the faculty of Union Theological Seminary. (Dr. West previously served on Union’s faculty from 1977-84 and 1987-88.) In his new position, Dr. West will serve as Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practices. He is currently the Class of 1943 University Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University and will maintain his ties to Princeton as Professor Emeritus.
“Union is a place where Cornel West’s view of the world is in our life blood. Historically, Union has inspired strong public voices which speak to our nation’s ills and ideals — be they protests against war, poverty, racism, sexism, or other societal scourges,” said Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, president, Union Theological Seminary. “Some call Cornel West this generation’s Reinhold Niebuhr (a legendary Union Professor), but I think he’s in a class by himself. Cornel is, quite simply, the leading public theologian of our age.”
As Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practices, Dr. West will teach classes in the areas of Philosophy, Theology, Social Change, Community Engagement and Christian Activism. He will teach a full schedule of courses and, as such, will participate in shaping a new generation of religious leaders, scholars and activists.
“I am overjoyed and completely excited to hear Dr. West is coming to Union,” said current U.T.S. student, Daniel J. Rohrer, Master of Divinity and PhD Student of Christian Social Ethics at Union. “Dr. West is somebody who is really in touch with America and its religious and public policies. His teaching will help us be more effective leaders in our churches and communities.”
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